Should Dok adopt the granny shot?

KU Sports -- Dok would consider shooting underhand

I've been suggesting this to the TV for a while now. Seems that Keegan asked if he'd consider it and he said yes (a far cry from actually trying it). Seems to me that this method greatly reduces the left/right inaccuracy and the shooter only needs to dial in distance, thereby removing about 50% of the variables.

In any case, I think Dok would benefit greatly from this. So here's the poll: should he our shouldn't he? Particularly interested in reasons behind any "no" votes.

Although I voted yes, my main wish is that Dok would just breathe deeply and then shoot softly. (And carry a big smile for making it look easy.)

Big guys, like Shaq, seem to have trouble with a soft shot and almost hurl the ball toward the basket.

But, whatever works! I'm sure we all grimace and hold our breath whenever he gets fouled.

Well worth your time, I promise!


For those who love Wilt,


RC

Maybe if the style was not referred to as "the Granny shot"?

When Wilt employed it, it was called the Slop Bucket.

Anybody who wants to call it the "granny shot" to Dok's face (all 7', 280 lbs of him) is probably taking a pretty decent risk of physical harm.

If it results in a high percentage of makes, I'd advise Dok to come back with, "This granny just went from a potential lottery pick by changing over. If you'd like I'll give you a ride in my Lambourgini in a couple years."

Success breeds confidence.

Here's some math to consider:

Currently, Dok averages 14.5 points. He's 23 of 56 from the line (.411). In conference he's attempted 31 (11 vs. Baylor) and only made 13 for .419. So at least we can say that he's consistent....consistently bad.

Here's how that converts if he could get to 60% or 70%.

At 60%, taking an average of 4.4 attempts per game he'd be adding making 2.6 points per game (vs. 1.8 now) for an increase of almost 1 point per game. Not bad for going from "bad" to "mediocre".

If he could get to 70%, he'd jump to 3 points per game, or 1.2 points.

More significantly, Self could leave him in during late-game situations where the opponent is looking to foul which would help us defensively in those late game situations without running any major offensive risks.

I'd just love to see him do it and get good at it. Let people make fun of you if you're automatic from the line. I really do believe that it would only take 1 or 2 high profile guys to find success with that method to make it widespread.

At the very least, I bet he could improve to 50%. If he can flick his wrists, he surely has to have more touch than being so powerful with the over hand shot.

50% should be easy. There are plenty of videos on how it's done (including the one on Bay's link).

If you look at what many big men have issues with it seems to come down to the following:
>Big hands. Can cause the ball to go off to the side, and gets inconsistent backspin.
>High release. Leads to a flatter trajectory which is more likely to skip over the rim rather than drop in.

The "Berry Style" (is that nicer?) shot solves those issues.
>The ball is released from both hands on opposite sides of the ball. As long as the arms move together and the release is fairly simultaneous, the ball will go straighter...no chance of it flipping off one side or the other of a single-shooting hand.
>Consistent backspin: can dial it in and keep it relatively consistent.
>Better trajectory: lower release results in higher arc, which leads to a more downward trajectory on the way down.

I really wish he'd try it. It takes so much uncertainty out of the shot and by reducing what can go wrong, more will end up going right. 50% would be EASILY attainable, IMHO.

Lest Dok worry about the guffaws coming from the adversarial stands if he employs the "Barry Style"; remember:

He who laughs last, laughs best!

Let 'er RIP, Dok!!!! We believe, Buddy!

WSG

It got worse . . .

After tonight it is clear something....really anything needs to change. 14% is awful.

....and it's going to happen again and again in close games unless/until Self puts him on the bench, or (preferably) he gets competent from the line.

Hell, at this point, if you don't want the Barry method, try 'em lefty....put up a 15' hook shot..ANYTHING.

I feel bad for the kid.

At this point I'm thinking of the "pin the tail on the donkey" technique where we blindfold Udunkie and a team mate points him toward the basket . . .

On a different topic, do the students behind the goal post continue you to make distracting movements and gestures when Doke is on the line, or do they hold still trying to suppress their laughter knowing the ball is not going in?

RC