"The System" is a style of that play consists of the following guidelines:
- The first possible shot is best possible shot, where three-point field goal attempts are preferred over shorter shots.
- Shoot as many three pointers as possible.
- In terms of defense, giving up an uncontested layup is better than a shot clock violation.
- Always double team the person with the ball.
- Every player but the shooter goes for the offensive rebound.
- Offensive rebounds should be sent back for another three-point attempt, not a shorter put-back for two points.
Basically, I read this as, let's hike the ball up as quickly as possible, and play no defense whatsoever. Being a basketball fan, number 3 has me at a loss for words. There are coaches and players turning in their graves as someone says those words. Yes, this can be an effective system, and the Pioneers are a fairly successful Division III basketball team, however it goes against the basic principles of the game of basketball. Basketball is, or was a two way game, where defense was emphasized, but nowadays (especially in the NBA) you hardly see anybody take any precedence to actually want to play defensive and take pride in being a shutdown defender. Heck you can't even tune into a game without seeing an ejection, flagrant foul, or a technical foul every second.
Being the basketball fan that I consider myself, and the way I learned the game, reading articles about things like this leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Maybe people prefer to watch a game like this, but I just hope that the future of basketball does not turn into who can score 150+ a night like the Grinnell Pioneers.
"Offense wins games, bur defense wins championships."
Kyle your right I would hate if basketball turned into just offense but some people like teams scoring a lot of points. I feel that even the NBA is starting to turn into that. I mean if you watch a regular season game I don't think they try that hard on defense. But when it comes to playoffs you start seeing great defense in the NBA, that's why I love watching the NBA playoffs because its very intense. Overall though I would have to say that college basketball is better because every game they are going full out trying to win, that's why I live for "March Madness".
ReplyDeleteKyle, I believe a stat that states Grinnell wins like 90 percent of their games with this system if they shoot 35 percent from 3-point range. Defense wins championships but offense wins fans. Slow, drag-it-out, Detroit basketball is not what fans want. Most people would tell you that they want to see some defense but to witness a team score 170+ points is like seeing the rare silverback gorilla. As a coach, I want the ball to go through the hole (as often as possible) but I'm not sure if I would sacrifice "all" defense. However, if a Jack Taylor-style scorer walked through the door, I would certainly like to try the "System".
ReplyDeleteHey kyle, like the blog! I love the way these guys play maybe a certain former NY Knicks now LA Lakers coach should take a few notes. If you're not going to play D you better play some serious O and Grinnell delivers. Jack taylor I'm pretty sure is the only player to reach the century mark twice and that is something special. You can't do that unless you are a seriously baller. I'm certain NBA scouts are giving this kid serious looks but the only question I have is do you think his skills can translate into the NBA?
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