Fab Melo

[longislandcuse]

For 7 feet tall Fab is really athletic. I guess the simliarities are because all we see Fab do is block shots and throw down alley-oops. Thats Chandler's game as well. Fab rolls off those screens to the hoop exactly like Chandler. You dont see too many 7 footers in college with the athleticism to do this.

 

[Cheriehoop]

Actually, I think it's the longtime fans who are disappointed with what the game has become. No one who regularly watched college hoops in the 1980s and 1990s could watch these Pittsburgh or Marquette games and note that something isn't wrong.

It's only in the last decade that post-play has become football and all players have taken to wearing pads on the court.

Not to be contrary but it's been the style of play for a number of teams even back in the 80's and 90's. John Thompson's GT teams were brutal and Providence coached by Pitino was a clutch and grab team also. Remember it was back in those "good old days" the Big East instituted the 6 foul rule and there were reasons that some coaches wanted that and it was tested in only 1 major conference, the Big East. Physicality is the signature for some coaches and some programs so unless referees control the extent of it, it will continue. The Big East has been known as a real physical league for a long time. The 6 foul rule ended after 3 years in 1992.

 

[IthacaBarrel]

Not to be contrary but it's been the style of play for a number of teams even back in the 80's and 90's. John Thompson's GT teams were brutal and Providence coached by Pitino was a clutch and grab team also. Remember it was back in those "good old days" the Big East instituted the 6 foul rule and there were reasons that some coaches wanted that and it was tested in only 1 major conference, the Big East. Physicality is the signature for some coaches and some programs so unless referees control the extent of it, it will continue. The Big East has been known as a real physical league for a long time. The 6 foul rule ended after 3 years in 1992.

Agree 100%, the Big east has always been physical and certain teams have always been at the forefront of that. Pitt has been recently but it goes way back. Some of the Villanova teams were bangers as well. Is what it is, people tend to whine way too much about it here. They are trying to win the game and because Syracuse tends to be less physical than other teams, it's not a bad gameplan and it is part of the game. Refs are aware of this, but I think Syracuse has gotten away with a lot this year with some of the blocked shots underneath the basket. It's part of the game, if it wasn't you wouldn't see so many players wearing padding these days, Look at Carmelo these days!

 

[OttoMets]

Not to be contrary but it's been the style of play for a number of teams even back in the 80's and 90's. John Thompson's GT teams were brutal and Providence coached by Pitino was a clutch and grab team also. Remember it was back in those "good old days" the Big East instituted the 6 foul rule and there were reasons that some coaches wanted that and it was tested in only 1 major conference, the Big East. Physicality is the signature for some coaches and some programs so unless referees control the extent of it, it will continue. The Big East has been known as a real physical league for a long time. The 6 foul rule ended after 3 years in 1992.

There's long been a reputation for physicality, but I watch the games from that era somewhat regularly and there's no comparison in the style of play. The college game has become wall-to-wall fouls. Pitino's always played his handchecking style, and Thompson sent out players to rough things up, but in the past ten years a different contact sport has emerged. That's why everyone's sporting the pads.

 

[Mistakebythelake90]

Fab also needs to work on his outlet passes. At least once a game he'll make a really nice defensive block/rebound, then throw the ball right back to the other team.