5 Things Observed Watching the 1st Day of College Basketball

Observations

Yes! This is a great time of the year - college basketball has started! When watching the Michigan State vs Arizona and KU vs Indiana games today there were 5 things that stood out to me.

1. High Intensity

These game were played with such intensity. Bodies are flying all over the court, or skying for a rebound, finishing with an and-1, or sprinting the floor to make plays. Maximum effort was on display.

2. Competitive

It's early in the season, but it matters. Each possession mattered and all the teams wanted it.

3. Multiple Offensive Actions

From pin downs into dribble hand offs or various screening actions it means defense had to be ready. It will only get better as the season progresses too because teams and players will make more plays off a variety of actions. 

4. Finishing

Whether it was physical or finesse; players know how to finish at the rim with either hand and from a variety of angles.

5. Transition

The games were fast! Not just offensive transition, but defensive transition too. The ball went through the net and players had to be ready for the next action because it was coming. O to D or D to O it was happening and the players had to have a sense of urgency and awareness to be ready.