Succeeding in any sport is extremely difficult, but college basketball is near the top of difficulty level. Here are a few primary keys to do so:
The first one is creating an in game system based on the talent your team has, and this also leads on to the second part (which we’ll of course get into later). For this example, we will assume I’m a team on the East Coast that is fueled by the three pointer; such as the way the Houston Rockets play in the NBA. My defense is a heavily aggressive 1-2-2 defense.
My first priority is to get good athletes who can shoot threes, and you need a lot of them. Included in that is your point guard or shooting guard, who is an elite ball handler, shooter, passer and pick and roll player. As your center, you want a guy who can catch lobs, set screens and role and play defense and rebound. With these specific pieces, you can build a more fitting time for your important system – as opposed to a random jumble of talent.
Next, you want to dominate certain recruiting areas; especially your own – and most importantly for smaller schools. So if this supposed school can dominate the northeast and create strong relations with local high school and AAU coaches from the area; they are in a great position.
Additionally, you have to find the gems in your home region. As for smaller schools, three common view points are high level international players, transfers and JuCo (Junior College) players. All of these methods are highly effective, but all teams recruit differently.
Recruiters should look for certain traits in certain positions. There are many coaches who look for guys who can play every position. What I’m trying to say overall, is that there are many different ways of getting these players.
Now for the bigger questions:
What do all National Championship teams have in common? Why do they win? What systems do they share? There are two things most National Championship teams possess, and those two traits are experience and exceptional backcourt play.
For example, last year’s Virginia squad was not made up of “five star” freshman who were one and done prospects. Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome formed one of the best backcourts in the nation, and they were very experienced.
They did have Kihei Clark who was solid, but he wasn’t the “main” man. This team also had De’Andre Hunter who was a sophomore, as well as junior big-man Mamadi Diakite. This team was experienced and they had backcourt depth.
To further prove this claim, last year, Duke was the common pick to win at all; but they were clearly so young; and it hurt them down the stretch. One senior who is just a role player doesn’t count as experience.
Everyone will point 2014 – 2015 Duke, but they follow the “rules.” They had senior point guard in Quinn Cook, who was one of the most important players. Also, they had Amile Jefferson who was crucial and brought a lot to the table.
These teams often win because of the culture created at the school, just as much as the system.
If I had to recommend an offense, I would surely choose Jay Wright’s offense. This offense uses a lot of screening and a lot of shooting. Almost similar to the Rockets but a little more team oriented – and not as many isolations. I feel the problem with extremely fast break oriented teams is when the game slows down, they have a tough time.
All in all, winning in CBB is no easy task; but with a proper system to build / scout around, as well as a great culture and level of experience – you may have the formula to a National Title.
(P/C: Busting Brackets)
