Contrary to popular perception, Steve Lavin’s Bruins
actually do run an offense.
When UCLA players are swinging the ball around the three-point
arc for what seems like an eternity, they’re actually looking
for favorable passing lanes.
When Bruins run the floor in seemingly haphazard patterns,
they’re actually assuring themselves necessary floor
spacing.
And when it seems like Cedric Bozeman and Ryan Walcott
aren’t even calling plays, it’s because, well, they
aren’t.
Technically, at least. The Bruins typically run a motion offense
““ a structure that can break down almost any defense when
it’s working or look like muddled nonsense when it’s
not.
“When you get into a game, most teams are going to disrupt
set plays,” senior Ray Young said. “And you need to be
able to realize this and adjust.”
Instead of restricting players with forced movements and
predetermined plays, the motion offense operates under a short set
of rules. Beyond those regulations, players are free to create shot
opportunities, which highlights the individual creativity and
athleticism that is abundant in the Bruins.
Simple as that, right? Well, not exactly.
Any UCLA fan with even the slightest amount of basketball
knowledge can tell that the Bruins’ offense can often look
stagnant (Young actually used the exact word after the team’s
0-2 start) or, worse, like nothing better than pickup
basketball.
And more than anything else, that’s because the motion
rules still require tremendous discipline and decision-making
acumen. Players must be sure not to pick up their dribbles (and
draw a possible double-team). Screens must be set with purpose. And
most of all, the motion offense requires motion, and lots of
it.
Once the movement stops, the defense gets a chance to adjust and
all unpredictability is lost. It’s a point hardly lost on
Lavin.
“As a coach, what I’ve learned is that it’s
not whether you run more structure or more motion, it’s how
you execute,” he said.
Lavin has also learned that one offensive approach usually
isn’t enough. After spending much of last season in a 1-4 set
play structure around center Dan Gadzuric, the Bruins brought in
more motion and looked like a new team.
Comfortable, but at the same time lethal, UCLA became one of the
tougher teams in the conference for which to prepare. The
freewheeling motion was a good match for a full-court press,
too.
“With the motion, once we make stops it’s easier to
get into our offense,” sophomore Ryan Walcott said.
But even freedom takes some getting used to, especially for the
younger Bruins.
“Any system takes a while,” Lavin said. “There
is a set of program building blocks, and when you have older
players it’s easier for them to get a better
grasp.”