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How The 1973-74 Season Transformed College Basketball

Glenn Hayes

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Published in The Road To Madness: How The 1973 1974 Season Transformed College Basketball

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The 1973-74 college basketball season was a watershed moment in the history of the sport. It was the season that saw the of the three-point shot, the shot clock, and the full-court press, and it was the season that saw the rise of UCLA's Bill Walton and North Carolina State's David Thompson. These changes and players had a profound impact on the game of basketball, and they helped to usher in a new era of excitement and popularity.

The Three-Point Shot

The three-point shot was introduced to college basketball in 1986, but it had a much earlier origin. In 1945, the National Basketball League (NBL) experimented with a three-point shot, but it was quickly abandoned. In 1967, the American Basketball Association (ABA) adopted the three-point shot, and it quickly became a popular part of the game. In 1979, the NCAA adopted the three-point shot, and it has been a part of the college game ever since.

The Road to Madness: How the 1973-1974 Season Transformed College Basketball

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The three-point shot has had a significant impact on the game of basketball. It has opened up the court and made it more difficult for teams to play defense. It has also made the game more exciting for fans, as it gives them another way to score points.

The Shot Clock

The shot clock was introduced to college basketball in 1985, but it had a much earlier origin. In 1954, the National Basketball Association (NBA) adopted the shot clock, and it quickly became a popular part of the game. In 1975, the NCAA adopted the shot clock, and it has been a part of the college game ever since.

The shot clock has had a significant impact on the game of basketball. It has speeded up the game and made it more difficult for teams to hold the ball. It has also made the game more exciting for fans, as it keeps the action moving.

The Full-Court Press

The full-court press was introduced to college basketball in the early 1970s. It was popularized by UCLA coach John Wooden, who used it to great effect in winning 10 national championships in a 12-year span.

The full-court press is a defensive strategy that involves guarding the opposing team's ball handler all over the court. It is a very effective way to disrupt the opposing team's offense, and it can lead to turnovers and easy baskets.

The full-court press has had a significant impact on the game of basketball. It has made the game more difficult to play, but it has also made it more exciting for fans.

Bill Walton

Bill Walton was one of the greatest college basketball players of all time. He was a 6'11" center who played for UCLA from 1971 to 1974. During his time at UCLA, Walton led the Bruins to two national championships and was named the Naismith College Player of the Year three times.

Walton was a dominant force on the court. He was a gifted scorer, rebounder, and passer. He was also a fierce competitor who always played with great passion.

Walton's impact on college basketball was profound. He helped to usher in a new era of excitement and popularity for the game. He also inspired a generation of young players to pursue their dreams.

David Thompson

David Thompson was one of the greatest college basketball players of all time. He was a 6'4" guard who played for North Carolina State from 1972 to 1975. During his time at NC State, Thompson led the Wolfpack to two national championships and was named the Naismith College Player of the Year twice.

Thompson was a gifted scorer and athlete. He was known for his incredible leaping ability and his smooth shooting stroke.

Thompson's impact on college basketball was profound. He helped to usher in a new era of excitement and popularity for the game. He also inspired a generation of young players to pursue their dreams.

The Road to Madness: How the 1973-1974 Season Transformed College Basketball

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