Huskies doing good job of defending 3-point arc

  • By Christian Caple The News Tribune
  • Tuesday, January 14, 2014 10:52pm
  • SportsSports

BERKELEY, Calif. — It cannot be said with certainty — not yet, anyway — that the Washington Huskies have turned into stellar defenders of the 3-point line.

There’s too much luck involved, and too many games left to play, to reach such a conclusion, but the numbers suggest the Huskies’ defense might at least be on to something.

Washington’s first four Pacific-12 Conference opponents combined to make just six of their 50 attempts from beyond the 3-point arc. That’s a 12 percent clip, by far the best 3-point defense in the conference through the first two weeks of Pac-12 competition. And it’s a trend the Huskies hope they can continue when they play California tonight in a game between two of the conference’s hottest teams.

UW (11-6, 3-1 in Pac-12) has achieved that status by playing better defense — specifically as it pertains to preventing dribble penetration and easy layups — but it also appears the Huskies are allowing fewer clean looks at 3-point attempts.

Lorenzo Romar isn’t entirely sure if UW’s new defensive scheme deserves the bulk of the credit for the way the Huskies have defended the perimeter. But it certainly hasn’t hurt.

Washington allowed opponents to make 39.2 percent of their 3-point attempts in nonconference play, a pretty staggering number. It took four conference games to push that number down.

“Time will tell if that has anything to do with what we’re doing defensively,” Romar said last week, before UW held No. 15 Colorado to a 1-for-12 3-point shooting performance in a 71-54 victory. “We haven’t been in as many rotation situations with this type of defense as we have been in the past. I don’t know if that has anything to do with it or not. Time will tell.”

He’s been satisfied with the way his players have contested 3-point attempts. Part of that might be a byproduct of UW’s new philosophy of switching every ball-screen set on a guard — the Huskies start four of them — which allows them to instantly greet ball-handlers with a new defender.

So while the defense is not specifically designed to prevent 3-pointers — and it remains to be seen what a quality outside shooting team might be able to generate against it — the prevention of dribble penetration ultimately will fuel a complete effort.

“It’s tough against shooting teams,” senior guard C.J. Wilcox said. “The reason we got into it is because we were giving so many layups up. But I think we’re doing a good job of stopping the drive and getting out to the shooters and contesting their shots, and that’s the idea behind the defense.”

They’ve cut down on transition jump shots allowed, too.

Before, Romar said, “we were getting back in transition but we weren’t organized. We were there, but we didn’t know where people were, and teams were getting transition 3s against us. Our guys have done a good job of not giving those up as much anymore, as well. So it’s a combination of things that have helped us.”

Surpassing Marv

Washington’s victory over Utah on Wednesday was the 247th of Romar’s career, which moved him past legendary coach Marv Harshman for second-most in UW history.

During his weekly radio show on KJR 950 AM, Romar said surpassing Harshman’s win total was a great honor, particularly because he felt Harshman was forced out of coaching too early.

“I felt like as a former player, I’ve got your back Marv,” Romar said. “I’ve got a chance now to pick up where you left off, and if I could be here for eight years and be anywhere close to what you did, I’d feel really proud. And here it was — those wins tied and one more, and I just thought for that reason, it was pretty special.”

Bird returning

Cal coach Mike Montgomery said freshman guard Jabari Bird, who missed the Golden Bears’ past four games with an ankle injury, should return to the court tonight.

Bird was a recruiting target of Romar and UW, one of a handful of high-profile prospects whom the Huskies thought they had a chance of landing.

He averages 11.2 points per game.

“I thought we were close,” Romar said. “I thought there were times when it was really close to maybe we were right there with them. … Jabari’s a great kid from a great family. His dad went to Cal. They did a great job of recruiting him, and he trusted those guys and in the end he decided to stay home.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.