A Loud Off-Season

» WRCopeIII - Mr.

Mr. Plunk,

Do you feel that, in a way, the NCAA is attempting to "keep up" with the Euros coming to the NBA as opposed to continuing to breed the "work horses" that dominate the NBA and win championships? I would rather see the NCAA to continue to pump out,alluding to your comparison, more Shaquille O'Neals than Dirk Nowitzkis.

William Cope
Basketball Contributor

-- posted by WRCopeIII

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» chadplunk - Re: Mr.

In response to message posted by WRCopeIII:

Absolutely. The committee specifically mentioned the need to develop more skilled players on the European model. This desire primarily stems from fears relating to international competitions (world games, olympics, etc), but given the high number of foreign players headed to the NBA, its clear that this would also be of concern to the committee.

Personally, I do think there is a definite need to improve the skill of basketball players today on both the college and professional levels. To put it bluntly, many NBA players simply cannot play. I wince when I watch many modern players attempt to shoot anything other than a three-pointer or a dunk.

However, I think the physicality and quickness of both the college and pro games today are something new and worth keeping. Ideally, I would like to see skills improve while retaining the strength and athleticism of today's players.

I perhaps went a little far in comparing Shaq to Nowitzki, as Shaq is obviously something of a special case. I think the NCAA committee is more afraid of the large number of forwards and centers who can't shoot beyond about six feet.

Shaq does, however, illustrate the need to improve skills. Its absolutely inexcusable that a pro (or college for that matter)player would shoot free throws so poorly. I play once or twice a week nowdays, but can go out any weekend and nail seventy-five or so out of a hundred free throws before going home.

Shaq also, however, illustrates the benefits of improving skills. In his early days he relied mostly on strength. It was not until he developed his baby hook and a nice array of post moves that he became the unstoppable force he is today.

I'm with you in that I'd like to see strong post play continue, but I understand the committee's desire to improve the skill level of the players. I'm not sure this is the right way to do that.

Any ideas?

-- posted by chadplunk

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» chadplunk - ACC Votes to Expand

The college basketball world is about to be shaken in a major way. Yesterday (May 13), the ACC did vote to expand to twelve teams.

The rumor is that Miami has already informally accepted an invitation to join, and that Syracuse is also leaving the Big East. The third team isa apparently either going to be Boston College or Virginia Tech.

Any moves would take effect in the 2004-2005 season.

Get ready for some major conference shuffling!

-- posted by chadplunk

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