March Madness Xs&Os: West Region

An NCAA Tournament Primer

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Get ready for the first weekend of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Sixteen (16) FastModel FastDraw diagrammed sets. One play from each of the West Region teams!

North Carolina

I love combining simple actions that have withstood the test of time. Ram action (Frame 1) then Spain action (Frame 2) is so tough for defenses to guard and creates multiple scoring opportunities for the offense.

Arizona

A quick hitter for early offense. You could also run this out of a Horns alignment. 5 screens for the ballhandler who DHOs to the 2. Player 4 immediately steps up for a ball screen as 5 dives quicky to the rim. No help on the backside opens an uncontested look at the rim for 5.

Baylor

This Horns flare starts with 4 screening for the ballhandler. Player 5 sets the flare for 4 then comes to ball screen. The ballhandler comes off the screen and immediately passes to 4. Player 5 rolls hard to receive a pass from 4.

Alabama

The Tide are one of several teams using that “long post” area for early offense quick hitters. After entering the ball to 4, he fakes the handoff back to 1. Player 2 sets the backscreen for 5. The small-to-big screen creates either an open look or a mismatch in the post if the defense switches.