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I'm wondering if anyone has had success with using a so-called "point-forward", or a small forward with very high PA (and also HA) skills, relative to other skills, for the position. My SF-in-training is currently piggy-backing on my guard-training regime, and he will conceivably have level 13 or 14 passing by the end of the season. This of course comes at the expense of other skills, namely JS and IS, for now.

I've heard that you can never have enough passing, but am concerned that at some point it becomes unnecessary to train that skill for a guy who is not the primary ball-handler. Does anyone have experience with this? How much does passing on non-primary ball-handlers affect an offense?

Last edited by PeachesTheApache at 6/26/2013 3:10:27 PM

Passing on your "non Primary" ball handlers i am guessing you mean your SF/PF/C? For the most part in my experience and i am not a Game engine tycoon like some, nor am I in a powerhouse of a leauge. But in real life i coach college basketball and I've noticed the game tries VERY hard to immulate "REAL" basketball situations. So excellent passing on "non primary" ball handlers is all based on what offense you run. Offenses like motion, princeton, patient (require Great ball movement) meaning all 5 guys touch the ball and move the ball (with the PASS) so having high passing on all 5 guys is key because it limits TOs and boost Offensive Flow. You will also see in these offense high assist from guys like your SF & PF because they become key ball handlers (in real life) in these offenses. Now if you are running Low Post well your PG/SG are primary "post feeders" and your Bigs are finishers so the PF/C & sometimes SF wont be kicking out alot. Run and Gun & PTB (Push the ball) I believe have the LEAST ball movement its more 1 on 1...1 pass shot kind of offenses (in real life) So besides making an Outlet pass there really isn't much "ball movement" by the pass more "ball movement off the dribble"

Hope that helps again this is my Real life coaching experience and humble opinion on this but i have seen it somewhat play out as i tried different tactics and have continued to advance now in D4 2 seasons from D5 a couple seasons ago.

That's great advice and really interesting, +1.

I do wonder, if a player has high PA and HA relative to other players, if the GE puts the ball in their hands more? You were comparing this to real life situations, and the real-life scenario that aligns with this concept would be like a Joakim Noah type player, and how the Chicago Bulls' offense often gives him the ball at the top of the key and runs the offense through him. He's not a point-guard, but his passing skills are such that plays are designed around him. I have no idea if that is how it works in BB, though.


Last edited by PeachesTheApache at 6/26/2013 3:16:27 PM

I believe it depends on the position of the player, offense of the team, certain situations in the game, game and shot clock, player's experience, HA/PA of the player(s), opposing OD, etc.

For example, if that high HA/PA player is a guard, and especially when the offense is one, like LI, where only the guards are required to have good HA/PA, then the GE does tend to put the ball in their hands more. In an offense like Low Post or PTB, if all 5 players have decent HA/PA for their positions, assists and distribution of the ball become balanced. At least that's what I have noticed.