Top 3 Traits All Great Point Guards Must Have
The point guard is often considered the “floor general”—the leader, the communicator, and the engine that makes the offense run. Without a strong point guard, teams struggle to find rhythm. But with a great one? Teams win championships.
So what exactly makes a great point guard in today’s game?
To answer that, we spoke with JJ Miller, PSB Raleigh Director and former professional point guard. JJ starred at NC A&T State University as an All-American before enjoying a 15-year pro career in Europe, South America, and briefly in the NBA.
👇 You can listen to our full podcast interview with JJ Miller below! 👇
JJ Miller’s Top 3 Must-Haves for Great Point Guards
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Skillset
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Basketball IQ
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Leadership
Let’s break each of these down in more detail.
1. Skillset: The Modern Point Guard Toolbox
Great point guards must be multi-dimensional. You can no longer just “bring the ball up the court” and be considered elite.
Here’s what a complete point guard skillset looks like:
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Ball-handling under pressure
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Accurate passing to set up teammates
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Perimeter shooting to stretch the defense
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On-ball defense to set the tone for the team
In modern youth and high school basketball, ball pressure is constant. A great PG handles traps, presses, and ball-denial without panicking. But it’s not just about surviving pressure—great guards create advantages with their handle.
Passing is just as vital. Not every pass needs to be flashy. In fact, the best passes are often the simple ones that lead directly to open looks. Effective passing keeps the ball moving and the defense off-balance.
And don’t underestimate the value of shooting. If you’re a threat from three, defenders must guard you tighter, opening up space for drives and kick-outs. A reliable jumper changes everything.
Finally, elite point guards defend. They’re the first line of defense and set the tone with ball pressure, communication, and effort.
📌 Pro Tip: Want to improve in these areas? Check out our Ultimate Shooting Guide and Ball Handling Tips for drills to help.
2. Basketball IQ: The Smartest Player on the Floor
Skill will get you on the court. IQ will keep you there—and make you stand out.
Basketball IQ means understanding:
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Your team’s offensive system
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Each teammate’s strengths and tendencies
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Defensive schemes and how to counter them
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When to push the pace vs. slow it down
A great point guard knows not just their role but every role on the floor. You should know where your teammates are supposed to be and how to get them the ball in their sweet spots.
On defense, IQ shows up in anticipation. Recognizing rotations, calling out screens, knowing when to help—all are signs of a high-IQ defender.
How to raise your basketball IQ:
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Watch game film—your own and others
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Study your team’s playbook
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Ask coaches questions and seek feedback
JJ emphasizes that great PGs are always students of the game. They’re constantly processing situations in real time and adjusting accordingly.
3. Leadership: The Most Underrated Skill
JJ calls this the most important of the three.
The point guard is often compared to a quarterback—they guide the team’s energy, tempo, and focus. If the PG is locked in, the team usually is too.
Great point guards lead by:
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Example – playing hard, showing up early, doing the extra reps
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Accountability – holding themselves and others to a standard
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Communication – being vocal, encouraging, and clear
JJ reminds players that leadership isn’t just about being loud. Sometimes it’s a huddle during a rough stretch. Other times it’s a quiet word of confidence to a teammate after a missed shot.
💡 A great PG can keep teammates confident and connected. When they make a mistake, you lift them up. When they need a correction, you deliver it respectfully—but firmly.
But here’s the catch: You can’t lead others until you’ve first led yourself.
The Complete Point Guard Package
Becoming a great point guard isn’t just about handles and highlight passes. The very best PGs combine:
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Complete skill development
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Advanced understanding of the game
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Consistent, authentic leadership
That’s what separates the good from the great.
The journey isn’t easy. But if you commit to growing in all three areas—skillset, IQ, and leadership—you’ll become the kind of point guard that coaches trust, teammates respect, and opponents fear.
Ready to take the next step in your child’s basketball journey?
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