How to Win in “Modern” College Basketball

[Heisenberg]

Last year Nova won.  They also set a new all-time D1 record with 464 made 3s

This year Auburn makes the final four. The had the second most made 3s in D1 history with 445 (can still break the record if they hit 19 in the next two possible games they can play)

Meanwhile Duke had one of the transformational players in College basketball history, another top 5 NBA draft pick, if not the second pick (Barrett) and five other McDonald AAs.  But they were also one of the worst shooting 3-point teams in college basketball.  They need two last second missed shots by UCF and VT to even make it to the Elite 8 where they lost to Michigan State.

So, it is 2019 and 2020.  And your considering a high D1 recruit.  What is more important?

* Height, Weight, jumping ability and agility

* Have him stand 28 feet from the basket with a couple of racks of balls and show what he's got?  Does not matter is you are 5' 11" or 6'10" can you shoot from out there or not matters more.

Love to hear some thoughts on this.

ADDED

Do the most important stats in college basketball all involve team and individual 3-point shooting?

[NCMUFan]

It is just one component.  Many pieces necessary to win a National Championship.

[Heisenberg]

It is just one component.  Many pieces necessary to win a National Championship.

Duke had everything but 3-point shooting. Look at how they did.

[GooooMarquette]

It is just one component.  Many pieces necessary to win a National Championship.

Correct. Auburn was #1 in 3PM this season, but if you look at #2-#10, those teams collectively won a grand total of 1 NCAA Tournament game (Nova). Most of the teams didn't even get to the dance.

[forgetful]

Duke had everything but 3-point shooting. Look at how they did.

So they were one of the worst at a key component and were 1 game away from the final 4. That shows it is just one element in the total package.

[Heisenberg]

So they were one of the worst at a key component and were 1 game away from the final 4. That shows it is just one element in the total package.

The were also one rim roll away from UCF beating them in the second round.  UCF had no business being that close to the "total package."

They were also an Ahmed Hill hill missed four footer at the buzzer from losing in their sweet sixteen game.  VT had no business being that close to the "total package."

——

How about this ... above average 3-point shooting is a necessary, but not sufficient, if you plan on winning.

Meaning, if you cannot shoot the three better than most, your doomed.  But being able to shoot the three better than most alone is not enough.

[forgetful]

The were also one rim roll away from UCF beating them in the second round.  UCF had no business being that close to the "total package."

They were also an Ahmed Hill hill missed four footer at the buzzer from losing in their sweet sixteen game.  VT had no business being that close to the "total package."

——

How about this ... above average 3-point shooting is a necessary, but not sufficient, if you plan on winning.

Meaning, if you cannot shoot the three better than most, your doomed.  But being able to shoot the three better than most alone is not enough.

What is most important on the offensive side is eFG%. But it is not the only factor.

Duke had a higher eFG% than Michigan St. Duke shot better from 3 than Michigan St. They are not in the final four. Why?  It has nothing to do with 3-point shooting.

They simply didn't take care of the ball and turned it over 17 times.

The game with Virginia Tech was close. Not because of 3-point shooting. But because VPI had 17 offensive rebounds.

Your analysis and thoughts are incorrect. They do not agree with fundamental data.

All that is true, is that good 3 point shooting helps eFG%, which is a predictor of success. But Duke proves that a high eFG% can be achieved with terrible 3-point shooting.

[WarriorFan]

I still think it's more important to score more points than the opposing team... which can be done by scoring and also by preventing them from scoring. 

All of the other stats are fun/interesting/distracting - but I'm sure an NCAA team today with Wilt/Larry/Magic/Michael plus good coaching plus a good system would win.

[StillAWarrior]

...but I'm sure an NCAA team today with Wilt/Larry/Magic/Michael plus good coaching plus a good system would win.

On the FF show yesterday before the first game, they did a segment on the 1979 Indiana State team. One of the Sycamore players made a comment about how they had shown what a team can accomplish when "everyone gives it their all."  Yeah, well having Larry Bird on the team probably helped a little too, don't you think?

The comment is actually borderline insulting to the last 40 years of Indiana State players - I guess they just weren't giving it their all.

[GooooMarquette]

So is it really about 3-point shots...or is it about defense?

3-point shots made:

Virginia - #103 (8.4/game)
Texas Tech - #223 (7.2/game)

Points allowed:

Virginia - #1 (55.5/game)
Texas Tech - #3 (58.8/game)

[Mr. Sand-Knit]

Duke had everything but 3-point shooting. Look at how they did.

Duke did not rebound the basketball!!