trj
Well-Known Member
I would be interested in an informed discussion of how the college game has changed in the past 20-30 years, particularly in terms of perimeter offense and covering defense.
Having watched clips of games from the ‘80s and ‘90s, my general observations are:
- Succesful teams in the tournament now have players who are much more skilled in making the 3, with coaches more willing to embrace a beyond-the-arc offense. There have been games this year when one thinks they’re watching 1980s Gonzaga.
- Today’s athletes are longer, stronger, quicker than players were 20 years ago. They can cover more of the floor in a shorter amount of time. Thus, some teams are very successful in a “helter-skelter” defense where defenders can play “in your shirt” man-to-man coverage, easily switch off assignments, and move to put pressure on the open man.
- Successful teams in the tournament are not only physically tough, but mentally as well.
I see Fran’s teams making progress on the first point. But barely registering in the other two.
We grew up in an era where the ball was worked inside out. That dynamic has completely flipped everything now is worked outside in.
If you have a bunch of bigs that can’t operate in space on both ends of the floor, you got issues.
Crossing someone over and nailing a 3 has replaced dunking on someone. At least in terms of getting the kids hyped. I always preferred the dunk right in someone’s grill with a little stare afterward, but I am old.
Shaq is a hall of famer; yet would struggle with how the game is played now.
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