It seems as though every offseason, the NCAA releases a new set of rule changes or officiating areas of emphasis, with the same underlying message every year:
Let players cut. Let players move off the ball. Let players get open shots. Let players score.
It’s commonly referred to as “Freedom of Motion” and while these changes might draw complaints from defensive-minded coaches, they still accomplish their goal. After a flurry of high foul-total games in November, coaches and players alike settle in to the adjustments and the game is all the better for it.
Except this progress routinely suffers its largest setback in the college game’s biggest stage, completely disappearing during March Madness, and offering a huge advantage to hard-nosed, physical, pull-and-grab squads.