[81alum]

Saw a bit of the Ca.l game online and heard Mike Montgomery touting the importance of mid-range jumpers, as he lamented how most kids only want to dunk and shoot 3s.

Obviously 33% from three-point range is as good as 50% inside the arc, but the reality is most players don't shoot that well from three.  The pull-up mid-range jumper is usually the least contested shot, so Montgomery doesn't understand why more players don't develop their mid-range game.

I don't claim to know which philosophy is "right" but I understand that in the European game,  the face-up jump shot is essential for posts and forwards.  The threat to pull up for a mid range jump shot is what pulls defenders out from under the basket and opens lanes for a drive.  Kate said yesterday that 2015 wbb recruit Alanna Smith is that kind of player.

I won't pick sides, but there seems to be two respectable but diverging philosophies about the utility of the mid range jump shot. 

[81alum]

Saw a bit of the Ca.l game online and heard Mike Montgomery touting the importance of mid-range jumpers, as he lamented how most kids only want to dunk and shoot 3s.

Obviously 33% from three-point range is as good as 50% inside the arc, but the reality is most players don't shoot that well from three.  The pull-up mid-range jumper is usually the least contested shot, so Montgomery doesn't understand why more players don't develop their mid-range game.

I don't claim to know which philosophy is "right" but I understand that in the European game,  the face-up jump shot is essential for posts and forwards.  The threat to pull up for a mid range jump shot is what pulls defenders out from under the basket and opens lanes for a drive.  Kate said yesterday that 2015 wbb recruit Alanna Smith is that kind of player.

I won't pick sides, but there seems to be two respectable but diverging philosophies about the utility of the mid range jump shot.