Maryland End of Game Set

Maryland executed this great set at the end of the game to take the lead @ Michigan.  As the ball is entered into the post, Maryland is able to keep great spacing on the floor.  Anthony Cowen Jr. takes his man to the weak side of the floor to clear out any help side defense.  Because he changes his speed, his defender must honor him as a cutter, which takes him out of his help side responsibilities.  Darryl Morsell relocates to the corner to give Michal Cekovsky room to make the pass.  Kevin Huerter does a fantastic job of setting up his man and exploding off the down screen set by Joshua Tomaic.  Huerter gets his feet set and makes a great shot to take the lead.  Unfortunately for Maryland, they would foul on the next possession and lose to Michigan on a pair of free throws.  

*Another option is for the 4 to slip the screen if the defense tries to take away the shot at the top of the key.  

How to Shot Fake: Villanova's Kris Jenkins

HOW TO SHOT FAKE

Villanova's Kris Jenkins utilized the shot fake to perfection over the weekend during their game vs. Notre Dame.  As you'll see in the video below, he was able to get two points and a free throw simply because of his ability to use a shot fake.  

FEET SQUARED, LEGS REMAIN LOADED

On the catch, Jenkins does everything the same way he would as if he were going to shoot the basketball.  His feet are ready and his knees are bent, exactly like they are when he shoots.  The defender must respect his shooting ability because Jenkins gives the impression that he is going to shoot.  When he performs the shot fake, he keeps his legs loaded, ready to explode.  Many young players will extend their knees, which takes away their ability to drive.  By keeping his legs loaded he is able to quickly go past the defender.  

GIVE THE DEFENDER TIME TO REACT

But before he can go past the defender, he must get him in the air.  He accomplishes this by executing a patient, but crisp shooting motion.  His fake takes approximately 0.3 seconds, the amount of time multiple studies have shown is needed for the human mind to react.  His eyes stay focused on the rim giving the impression that he is locked in.  Everything looks exactly like he is going to shoot, which gets the defender to bite and leave the floor.

As he drives, he executes a great jump stop and gives another quick shot fake.  Just like the earlier fake, he keeps his legs loaded with his eyes on the rim.  The fake takes just long enough for the defender to react before Jenkins initiates contact and gets the And 1.  

Wisconsin "Wheel" SLOB

Here is a great sidelines out of bounds play executed by Wisconsin out of the timeout to win the game.  Coach Gard had two options coming out of the timeout and the play was executed to perfection.  Take a look at the video clip and diagram below.

Texas "Invisible Screen"

Texas executed this simple, yet brilliant, set vs. Baylor's 1-3-1 zone defense.  You will see in the clip that Connor Lammert (#21) sprints up as if he is setting a ball screen on the top guy of the zone.  Instead of setting the screen, he pops out to the open window on the wing and receives a pass from Isaiah Taylor (#1) and knocks down the huge shot.  Notice how Taylor sets up his man like he's coming off a ball screen, which draws the middle defender away from the shooter.  Texas keeps great spacing which forces the Baylor defenders to make decisions on who to guard.  The spacing also leaves Texas with several options to move the ball to the open man if the initial pass is unsuccessful.  Take a look at the clip and diagram below!

Wisconsin - End of Game (3 Possessions)

Wisconsin pulled off an upset of #4 Michigan State on January 17, 2016.  The Badgers were down by four with 31.5 seconds remaining  and possession of the ball.  After a timeout by Wisconsin head coach, Greg Gard, the Badgers were able to win the game over the course of the ensuing three possessions.  Here is a simple breakdown of how Wisconsin was able to get the victory.

Immediately after the timeout, Wisconsin runs a simple BLOB in hopes of getting a quick basket.  Michigan State switches all screens on this play allowing Wisconsin to inbound the ball fairly easily.  Initially, Denzel Valentine takes away the shot with a high hand, but then gives a step to take away the drive.  Matt Costello defends the post well to discourage Bronson Koenig from making the post feed.  As soon as Valentine backs off and puts his hands down, Koenig knocks down the big three to put the Badgers within one point.  

Wisconsin is prepared to put immediate pressure on the inbounds.  Instead of fouling, the Badgers elect to trap and try to force Michigan State into a turnover.  Khalil Iverson does a great job of baiting and keeping the ball into the corner while Ethan Happ does a fantastic job of trapping as soon as the ball handler turns his back.  Bronson Koenig and Zak Showalter take away the sideline and reversal passes.  

After forcing the turnover, Wisconsin inbounds the ball from the sideline and set up a simple, yet effective pick & roll play.  The Badgers maintain great spacing, allowing Bronson Koenig & Ethan Happ to  execute with patience and precision.  This play would ultimately turn out to be the game winner for the Badgers.