Biggest change you've seen?

[AdaSooner]

The season is just getting started, but I have already seen a significant change in the way the game is being called, and played. I like that hand-checking and using forearms to control offensive players is being called fairly consistently now. I also like the new rule on taking a charge.

The biggest change I have seen in every game I have watched so far, including the OU women's win over WSU yesterday, is an emphasis on dribble penetration in an attempt to draw fouls or score by taking the ball to the hole instead of working it around the perimeter to shoot from three. More and more teams are using their guards and wings to put pressure on defenders with the penetration dribble.

I see that as an advantage for this OU team. Ever player in our top eight is adequate to really good at taking the ball to the hole. If the goal is to increase scoring by giving the offensive player a means to use his skills, I would say the new rules are accomplishing exactly what the coaches and ADs wanted to see. It will be interesting to see what the final stats show when the season is over.

 

[pnkranger]

I've also seen some REALLY bad defense. I am coaching fourth graders right now, and we're working hard on moving your feet and hips the right way. It's obvious that has not been an emphasis for some time...

 

[AdaSooner]

Good point, pnkranger! I believe teams with good defenders will adjust in time. Those who don't will be left at home in the post season. Hopefully, OU will not be one of them.

The defense we saw in last night's game was horrific at times. But the defenders on this team are too good to allow poor defense to be their legacy.

 

[garyeb2]

I don't know that the defense is all that bad. It may be bad relative to defense the last several years. But, that reference point is gone.

The charging rules and defenders putting their hands on ball handlers were the equalizers. Those equalizers are gone. The advantage is to the offensive player. That is the purpose to the rules.

Sure our guys can do some better than what they have been. But, the offensive player has the best of it. And will have going forward.

 

[Section31]

I was a little concerned with a few calls being inconsistent last night. The offensive foul on Cam late (may have been his 4th) was the epitome of what the new charge rules were supposed to take out of the game.

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