Iowa "Thumbs Up"

This play was executed at the end of the Iowa vs. Minnesota game from 2/14/16.  This is a simple set that requires the defense to make a decision on how to guard the back screen.  Minnesota does not switch or hedge, which opens up a wide open dunk for Iowa to seal the game.  Please take a look at the clip and FastModel 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!

Michigan State ATO SLOB - Screen/Re-Screen

This play was drawn up by Coach Tom Izzo on January 23, 2016 in a must-win game for Michigan State vs. Maryland.  Izzo called a timeout with just under 1:00 remaining in the first half with the ball on the sideline.  The play was executed to perfection and contained multiple actions that were hard to guard.  Take a look at the video clip and diagram below to see what happened. 

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.