New Rule Changes

[GP1]

Article

I don't think we have had a discussion on this so here it goes. The NCAA is going to be more strict on hand checking this year. I agree with a lot of articles that fouls early season will be up until teams adjust.

How does this impact Akron? At first blush, I think Akron will be the kind of team it impacts the most on the defensive end. The Zips have played very aggressive, tough and physical defense inside and outside under KD. There will be some adjustment here. If you are seeing the adjustment, how are they adjusting? If they aren't, what do they need to do differently?

[Dr Z]

Some discussion here before the season started.

Big Zip commented after the St Mary's game.

[skip-zip]

Article

I don't think we have had a discussion on this so here it goes. The NCAA is going to be more strict on hand checking this year. I agree with a lot of articles that fouls early season will be up until teams adjust.

How does this impact Akron? At first blush, I think Akron will be the kind of team it impacts the most on the defensive end. The Zips have played very aggressive, tough and physical defense inside and outside under KD. There will be some adjustment here. If you are seeing the adjustment, how are they adjusting? If they aren't, what do they need to do differently?

I think you're right on the money. It WILL hurt the teams that play physical defense. I just hope it doesn't hurt us too much.

But usually, I don't care about a new rule just as long as both teams are treated equally, and that it doesn't add significantly to the total number of fouls whistled in the games.

Let me add this. Hand checking, unless used aggressively (in which case, a foul should be called under the old rule), is not going to stop anyone from doing what they want to do. I'd much prefer to see defenders with both hands stretch outward, or above their heads.

[taxpayer]

More rules = more interpretation/judgement = more fouls called. Let's see if a hand on the hip/back is called two months from now. I believe the ticky tack variety will be whistled until conference play then not so much.

[Z.I.P.]

Here's how the new interpretation impacts the most: Total free throws attempted is probably up by at least 50% over last season (consider this a challenge DiG). Besides making the game less appetizing to spectators, this puts a priority on shooting from the line, and Akron has not been a very good FT shooting team in recent seasons. I bet every team is practicing FTs more. I sure hope ours is!