UConn Huskies Full Court Attempt Play
In 2014 the UConn Huskies completed another improbable run to their 2nd National Championship in 4 years. In an era where most players don’t usually stay in college for 4 years it was refreshing to see Shabazz Napier book-end his career with National Championships. Second year Head Coach Kevin Ollie won his first National Championship and in the process beat a crew of coaches that you’ll see headlining a Hall of Fame Class someday: Tom Izzo, Billy Donovan and John Calipari.
What people sometimes forget is that UConn Huskies almost didn’t advance past St. Joseph’s in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament. The Huskies needed overtime to finally knock out tenth seeded St. Joe’s. With the score tied in the final seconds the UConn Huskies inbounded the ball under their own basket and had a chance to win the game. Napier eventually missed the shot and the game went into overtime; but you’re not going to get a much better look in the final seconds.
Most times when you watch a basketball game, regardless of what level, the last seconds of a quarter, half, game etc. usually result in a desperation heave. On occasion, these desperation attempts go in, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it was a good attempt.
On this particular play, Kevin Ollie draws up a brilliant set that capitalizes on St. Joe’s over-aggressiveness. Niels Giffey inbounded the ball under his own basket after a UConn timeout. The previous possession, the UConn Huskies got a defensive rebound so they were not permitted to run the baseline. UConn’s two sensational guards, the aforementioned Napier and Ryan Boatright lined up in the front court, almost directly in between half court and the 3 point line. DeAndre Daniels lined up at the free throw line in the back court and Amida Brimah was stationed on the wing in the back opposite the basketball.
The play begins with Boatright setting a cross screen for Napier on the side of the floor opposite the ball. St. Joe’s switched this, not wanting either to get an advantage. The most important part of the play comes next: Napier flashes towards the ball, almost as if it’s an emergency. The St. Joe’s defender, presumably trying to deny Napier the ball and prevent him from getting a full head of steam, follows him further into the front court. Meanwhile, Daniels flashes full speed to the front court and Giffey inbounds to him on the move. Napier and Boatright are positioned close enough to the sideline where their defenders cannot cheat to intercept the pass, decreasingly the level of difficulty for the inbounds pass.
As soon the ball is Napier takes off down the sideline. Daniels catches and in one motion fires a lead pass ahead to Napier who takes 1 dribble and lofts an open 3 as time expires. Brimah moves from the wing to the rim preventing his defender from helping all way up, even though there is limited time on the clock.
Although Napier missed the shot, you will be hard pressed to get a better shot with 2.7 seconds left in the game while having to go the length of the court.
Coach Zall also has experience as an AAU Head Coach for the Boston Warriors. As Head Coach for the Warriors his team won the 2011 16U State Title and twice competed in AAU Nationals down in Orlando, FL. On top of being a student at Northeastern University, Zall was named Head Coach of the Men’s Club Basketball team for the 2012-13 season. During his lone season as Head Coach, Northeastern finished second in the Northeast Regional Tournament featuring colleges from throughout the East Coast. Coach Zall has also spent time as a Head Coach in the Bay State Games where his team won the Bronze Medal in 2012 and at various camps including: Five Star, Boston Celtics, NIKE, Franklin Pierce University, Hoop Group and The Elite 75.
Follow Coach John Zall on Twitter!!!
Click on the pdf link to download the basketball plays:
0 Comments