Now that football season is over it’s about time that we pay attention to basketball. I’m not talking about watching Lamar Odom on an episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians, but an actual game.
I know it’s hard to remember the rules of every sport, so let’s refresh our basketball knowledge.
First to know: the point of the game. The point is to get the ball into the other team’s hoop. It’s easy to get sidetracked from this when all you see is sweaty boys running up and down the court. Each team has their own hoop that they try to keep the other team from scoring on. Be aware; each quarter the teams switch which hoop they are protecting. If you don’t remember that, things will get very confusing each quarter.
Now, let’s go over some terminology:
Quarters: in the NCAA there are two 20-minute halves. In the NBA there are four 12-minute quarters.
Tip-off: The first jump ball that starts the game.
Travelling: Moving more than 2 steps without dribbling the ball.
Top of the Key: The semi-circle that goes past the free throw line.
Free Throws: Unopposed attempts to shoot from the line just inside the top of the key. Each successful free throw is 1 point.
Rebound: Gaining possession of the ball after a shot to the hoop.
Offensive Rebound: After an unsuccessful shot the same team may retrieve the ball again.
Defensive Rebound: After a successful shot the other team gains the ball. After an unsuccessful shot the other team has the opportunity to gain control of the ball.
Layup: Two-point shot coming from either the left or the right of the basket and using one hand to bounce the ball off the backboard and into the net.
Perimeter: Area beyond foul circle. Includes the 3-point line. Long-range shots.
Positions:
Center: Normally the tallest player on the team. Does the tip-offs. Grabs offensive rebounds.
Power Forward: Catches passes and makes shots near basket. Moves with quickness. Has 15 feet around basket.
Small Forward: Shoots from perimeter and the inside. Offensive player.
Shooting Guard: Best perimeter shooter. Takes rebounds on offense.
Point Guard: Not necessarily a shooter. Great ball handler. Gets the offensive rolling. Always ready to play defense.
Since we’re on our way to being basketball pros we should utilize the different ways we can get tickets to watch Illini basketball and the n Chicago Bulls. Single game men and women’s basketball tickets are constantly sold on University of Illinois class Facebook pages. That way you do not have to make the commitment of being an Orange Krush season pass holder that requires you to fundraise. The number one ranked Chicago Bulls may be harder to get tickets for, but you can do so on their website and the NBA’s website.
Now that we know the who, what, where, when and why of basketball it’s time to take the campus by storm and impress the boys with our basketball smarts!