Does the video show a talented basketball player?
A talented player must to do more than block shots and catch alley-oops. If a talented player can play only in a run-and-gun environment, is he really talented? When I read articles that characterize players in this manner, I assume the player is a great jumper who cannot shoot and who makes questionable decisions. Is that talent?
A run-and-gun environment benefits less skilled players, which is why I advocate small-sided-games and transition games for younger, lesser-skilled players. A run-and-gun, let-em play environment creates space for players. The additional space makes decision-making easier and leads to easier shots. Defensively, there are fewer expectations when defending a 3v2 fast-break than a 5v5 half-court offense because three players should score against two defenders. The fast tempo makes each possession less meaningful, so bad decisions, bad shot selection, and poor defense are less noticeable. Why do most games slow down at the end? Because even fast-paced teams want to insure that they take a good shot.
There is nothing wrong with playing a fast pace, creating space for offensive players, or taking a quick shot. I prefer that my players get easy shots. My contention is with those who say that talented players can play only one way. If a player cannot play in the half-court, he is not an uber-talented player.
Part of being a good player is using screens, rotating on defense, running pick-and-rolls, getting open, making moves to lose a defender, using footwork to create a shot, making good decisions with the ball, handling defensive pressure, and more. If a player cannot do these things, he is not a good player at the college level regardless of how high he can jump or how many shots that he blocks. When I hear that a coach needs to “let a player play,” I assume the fan or writer means that the player should not be subjected to these pedantic fundamentals. That’s the and1 Mix-Tape Tour, not college basketball.
The triangle offense was characterized as a constraining offense. However, the two most prolific and creative scorers of the last 30 years (ever?) excelled in the triangle offense. If MJ or Kobe was a high-school senior right now, I imagine writers and fans would write about how his college coach needed to let him play and not make him run an offense or play in the half court.
College basketball is great because there are many different styles. This is not about villainizing any specific system. Instead, my derision is for those who want to dumb down the expectations for great or potentially great players. Young players respond to high expectations. They can learn to be all-around, intelligent basketball players. I am tired of fans, writers, and coaches who feel that talented players should not be challenged to improve or lack the capacity to learn to play the game in different styles or different speeds while utilizing a multitude of skills.
By Brian McCormick, PhDDirector of Coaching, Playmakers Basketball Development LeagueAuthor, The 21st Century Basketball Practice
