re: Crystal Balls Flowing in for LSU re: Moussa Cisse

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Another thing about blocked shots - what doesnt show up in the stat box is when you have a legitimate rim protector like a Cisse, Mickey or KBW about how it makes all the offensive players think twice about altering their shot close to the rim afraid it may get blocked.

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And to tack on, another benefit is that having an elite rim protector and lane defender can allow your perimeter defenders to play more aggressively and confidently. For example, when a ball is in rotation and kicks to a 3 pt. shooter, it is the responsibility of the close out defender to try and close hard and run the guy off the 3 point line. However, when you do this (in the case of most defenders), it is easy for the shooter to give a fake and blow by the defender to the lane for an easy shot or dish. Having this happen can cause a defender to mentally be more measured in their approach and maybe not go as hard at the guy for fear of him blowing by for the easier shot. But having a player like KBW or Cisse back there can give you the confidence to go at the shooter hard b/c even if he goes by, then the shot will still likely get cleaned up.