Cherry Picking in basketball is a tactic where one player, known as the "Cherry Picker," stays near the opponent's basket instead of playing defense with the rest of the team.
This leaves the Cherry Picker's team at a 4-on-5 disadvantage on defense, but if they can steal the ball, they can quickly pass it to the cherry picker for an easy score. However, if the cherry picker's team gains possession of the ball through a foul or violation, the cherry picker becomes less useful since the opposing team has more time to set up their defense.
Is Cherry Picking Legal?
While cherry picking is not a common strategy, it is legal in organized basketball.A team can designate a player to stay near the basket, giving them an advantage in scoring even though the opposing team has a 5-on-4 advantage on the other end. If the cherry picker commits a violation, they will be penalized with a loss of ball possession and a foul.
Methods of Cherry Picking
One method is for the cherry picker to "Camp Out" near the offensive basket, waiting for a teammate to get the ball and pass it to them for an easy shot.Another method is "Bolting" or "Breaking" toward the basket as soon as the opposing team shoots, hoping to receive a long pass for an uncontested shot if the shot misses and the cherry picker's team gets the rebound.
After a made shot, the team that was on defense may also send one or more players running towards the other basket for a quick score before the other team can set up their defense.
Controversy Surrounding Cherry Picking
Cherry picking often attracts controversy. Teammates may view the cherry picker as not a complete player or resent the easy points they get.Fans might disparage a player for being a cherry picker or see the team's strategy as unsportsmanlike.
Even if cherry picking works against them, the opposing team may view it as poor sportsmanship, similar to running up the score unnecessarily. Coaches may also discipline a player who cherry picks, as it could indicate laziness, poor conditioning, or disobedience.
Some famous NBA players known for cherry picking include Wilt Chamberlain and Zaza Pachulia, who was called out by TV commentators for cherry picking during a 2017 game.