Influence of Scoring

Scoring leaders in the NCAA since 2000:

SEASON PLAYER PTS/G SCHOOL

2014-15 Tyler Harvey 23.06 Eastern Washington

2013-14 Doug McDermott 26.69 Creighton

2012-13 Erick Green 25.03 Virginia Tech

2011-12 Reggie Hamilton 26.17 Oakland

2010-11 Jimmer Fredette 28.86 Brigham Young

2009-10 Aubrey Coleman 25.60 Houston

2008-09 Stephen Curry 28.65 Davidson

2007-08 Reggie Williams 27.80 VMI

2006-07 Reggie Williams 28.12 VMI

2005-06 Adam Morrison 28.06 Gonzaga

2004-05 Keydren Clark 25.75 Saint Peter’s

2003-04 Keydren Clark 26.72 Saint Peter’s

2002-03 Ruben Douglas 27.96 New Mexico

2001-02 Jason Conley 29.29 VMI

2000-01 Ronnie McCollum 29.15 Centenary

*http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/leaders/pts-per-g-player-yearly.html

Looking at the above graphic, I’m willing to bet you recognize a few names. My question to you is, how many of those names are relevant, or has been relevant in the NBA? 1? Maybe 2. Kids want to get “buckets’ and that is their sole focus in a game. Well, from the past NCAA Scoring Leaders for an entire season, 1 in my opinion has went on to a successful NBA Career.

I am not sitting here saying that there is not a value in scoring the ball, because obviously there is. My point is that scoring should not be your main focus as a basketball player and definitely not the only dimension you bring to a team. While I am not knocking hoopmixtape or ballislife but what do their videos promote? Dunking, and crazy 1v1 moves that majority of the younger basketball community can’t perform. Those two skills in a nutshell will not win you a game. Conference tournament. Championships. I’m still waiting for the major platform that produces video clips of players diving on the floor after loose balls, taking charges, deflections, the extra pass (not a no look), and guys communicating on defense. (If a site is out there that promotes those skills, there is an obvious reason why it doesn’t market very well, because all people want to see are the highlight plays, which do not have a direct correlation with winning. Imagine that.)

Players, if you want to improve your scoring ability, stop with the 3, 4, 5 dribble combo moves you practice. Instead develop a more efficient way to use your go-to move, to score or create for another player. Or develop a better understanding of how to beat a double team, breaking through a trap, taking a dribble to improve the angle for an entry pass to the post (DO NOT get me started on that). All in all, stay away from youtube highlight videos. If you want to study the game, do so with professional players and pay close attention to their movements and the reason why they are doing what they are doing in any given circumstance.