Full Analysis
Offense
Thomas Sorber is a throwback big with modern tools: a high-feel, physically imposing post presence who thrives through strength, touch, and quick decision-making. His offensive value begins with his scoring around the basket, where he shows excellent touch for a player his size. Sorber uses his wide frame and strong base to seal defenders deep in the paint, then finishes with soft hands, often keeping the ball high to avoid bringing it into reach of help defenders. His post game is already well developed for a freshman, featuring reliable jump hooks, drop-steps, and even touch floaters.
What separates Sorber from most low-post scorers is how well he processes the game. His ability to read the floor quickly allows him to act as a hub from the elbows or block. He’s adept at hitting cutters, relocating shooters, and initiating handoff actions. His 19.8 AST% and 1.75 A:TO ratio highlight his value as a connector—traits increasingly vital in modern five-out offenses.
Sorber’s jumper is a swing skill. He attempted 1.5 threes per game and shot just 16.2% from deep, but his form is workable and his free throw percentage (72.4%) along with his interior skill suggests underlying touch. He doesn't hunt threes, but he is willing to shoot when left open. His willingness to attempt jumpers, even deep twos, adds some optimism that he could become a floor-spacing threat with time.
While Sorber is capable as a post scorer and face-up threat, he’s not an explosive athlete. He’s below the rim as a finisher, particularly in traffic. In pick-and-roll settings, he converted just 50% of his attempts as the roll man. He doesn’t explode off the ground, and his load-up time allows defenders to recover. As a result, he’s not a lob threat or vertical spacer. NBA spacing could open more paths to the rim, but this limitation reduces his ceiling as a dynamic pick-and-roll finisher.
Another key offensive strength is his offensive rebounding. Sorber posts a 10.0 OREB%, and he routinely generates second-chance points through effort, positioning, and sheer strength. He understands how to use his frame to carve out space and protect his rebounding position.
Despite his size and physicality, Sorber doesn’t force things. He plays with patience, rarely rushes in the post, and exhibits a calm demeanor as a passer and scorer. He’s also a solid screener, though he can improve by creating more consistent contact.
Defense
Sorber’s defense is defined by intelligence, positioning, and verticality. He doesn’t rely on elite athletic tools, but rather excels due to anticipation, strength, and discipline. At 262.8 lbs with a 7’6” wingspan, Sorber has the tools to anchor a defense, especially in drop coverage. He posted a 7.4 BLK% and 2.7 STL% while averaging just 2.4 fouls per game, an unusual blend of productivity and control for a freshman.
He uses his body effectively to stay vertical and challenge shots without fouling. His rim protection is aided by strong timing and quick hands rather than bounce. Sorber doesn’t bite on fakes and has the poise to wait out drives before extending to contest. He’s also a consistent communicator and help-side rotator, providing value as the low man.
What’s most impressive about Sorber defensively is his ability to generate events. His steal rate is elite for a big: he reads passing lanes well and can dig at ballhandlers without fouling. He uses his length to deflect entry passes and his strength to dislodge drivers. These traits suggest that he can play a key role in forcing turnovers and disrupting set actions at the next level.
That said, Sorber’s limitations are evident when pulled into space. His lateral agility is average, and he can struggle against quick bigs or in switches onto guards. He moves well for his size in short bursts, but longer recoveries or directional changes can be laborious. In closeouts or perimeter containment situations, Sorber’s footwork can get heavy, and he may need to trim down slightly to gain half a step.
Transition defense is another area for development. While he shows motor and intent, he can be slow to get up and down the floor, especially after contested rebounding battles. Improving his conditioning and mobility could help mitigate these lapses.
Still, Sorber is a highly impactful interior defender whose combination of length, discipline, and feel allows him to thrive in the paint. He projects as a reliable drop coverage anchor and defensive rebounder (16.8 REB%).
Looking Ahead
Thomas Sorber represents one of the most complete interior presences in the 2025 draft class, offering a rare mix of strength, touch, feel, and defensive reliability. Though he’s a below-the-rim big who won’t fit every scheme, his decision-making, physical profile, and skill versatility create a high floor. He’s shown he can be a central offensive hub from the post or elbow, and his passing fluency is far ahead of most young bigs. If the jumper develops, he could become a valuable pick-and-pop threat or short-roll facilitator in modern NBA offenses.
His ceiling will ultimately be determined by how well he addresses mobility and skill development. Improvements in pick-and-roll finishing, pick-and-pop shooting, and perimeter movement would significantly raise his long-term ceiling. A fully realized Sorber could resemble a player like Al Horford; an undersized five who defends the post, makes smart passes, spaces the floor, and serves as a connective force. At minimum, his interior defense, rebounding, and passing suggest a rotation big who won’t be played off the floor in playoff settings.
Post-surgery recovery from his season-ending foot injury will be important to monitor. If healthy, Sorber is a strong first-round candidate with clear pathways to becoming a starting-caliber big on a competitive team. In a class without many polished two-way bigs, he stands out for his combination of maturity, strength, and feel.