What year(s) did JB tweak this current zone?

[TheRoyalIveyFund]

The last few years, it seems pretty apparent that JB has tweaked the zone from 03,04, etc. Was it after the NIT years? Also, I rarely, if ever, hear this discussed. Maybe I'm wrong but this really seems almost like it gets to 3-2, or even 4-1 (at points late in a game).

I never recall the forwards coming out so far. Did it start once we got better athletes, where Wes could get out father, than say Roberts, or Dnich? Melo was a beast on the boards in 03 but I don't recall him every straying far from the rim (for obvious reasons).

Also, I don't think we trap in the corners as much as we used to...

Anyone else notice these "subtle" differences?

 

[newmexicuse]

I think the zone gets tweaked continuously (game to game) based upon our personnel and our opponent.

What I think has changed over the years is that we are doing more targeting in terms of recruitment for the types of players that we think will be able to paly the Zone well, and also our recruiting has improved so we now have the ability to land those players.

 

[mark79]

The forwards can cheat out more because we have tremendous shot blockers at the back of the zone

 

[OttoinGrotto]

The last few years, it seems pretty apparent that JB has tweaked the zone from 03,04, etc. Was it after the NIT years? Also, I rarely, if ever, hear this discussed. Maybe I'm wrong but this really seems almost like it gets to 3-2, or even 4-1 (at points late in a game).

I never recall the forwards coming out so far. Did it start once we got better athletes, where Wes could get out father, than say Roberts, or Dnich? Melo was a beast on the boards in 03 but I don't recall him every straying far from the rim (for obvious reasons).

Also, I don't think we trap in the corners as much as we used to...

Anyone else notice these "subtle" differences?

Now that you mention it, yeah.

Seems like before there was more focus on defense for defense's sake, whereas I think the extended zone is built more to fuel transition offense.

 

[jdubs30]

It's the players mostly. They've been recruiting taller, longer and more athletic players (guards as well) than we have in the past.

 

[pearl31]

From where I'm sitting, the weakside forward deliberately pushing way up to immediately be on the ball each time it is reversed is a new wrinkle this year.

 

[All4SU]

1976...2012, and every year in between.

 

[Garbs]

same as it ever was

 

[Sgt Cuse]

'09-'10 was the year of the big change. It went from J Flynn and P Harris who didn't really like it to the intense Rautins led new version of the zone D. There seems to be a pride in playing a tough D now.

The new subbing patterns by JB started in '09-'10 also have a lot to do with it. People loafing on D can and have gotten a quick hook, even Kjo and Dion level players. The D is no longer a place to catch your breath, and the subbing patterns have helped with that also.

I'm not sure if JB is conciously recruiting for people to fit or if this has just happened (with MCW, Fab, Grant) - the sample size is too small for me to tell. I do feel he now demands the focus and attention on D that did not seem to be there 4 years ago.