Shift to the left, shift to the right …

Sporting News, The, Dec 18, 2000 by Michael Bradley

When Illinois assistant coach Rob Judson talks about working the "three sides of the floor," he isn't envisioning some futuristic, triangular court. He's referring to the ability to make the defense shift from one side to the other three times, creating confusion and opening better shooting opportunities. Because the Illini have so many weapons, they can put stress on a defense by moving the ball quickly among several players. Their play, "1-4 Dribble Over," makes the defense worry about plenty before putting the ball in the hands of ace wing Cory Bradford.

The set: Point guard Frank Williams (1) starts the play at the top of the key with his four teammates lined up high across the free-throw line. Bradford (3) and Sergio McClain (2) stand outside the 3-point line, while big men Brian Cook (4) and Marcus Griffin (5) handle high-post responsibilities. To start, Williams dribbles right, forcing McClain out of the wing, around what Judson calls a "zipper screen" by Griffin.

Next: Williams passes to McClain at the top of the key, and Cook comes to set a pick. That's a good spot for McClain. "Serg is good at driving the ball off a screen," Judson says. McClain will want to look back at the key, too. After setting his pick, Cook might step out for a 3-point shot.

The move: If McClain has a clear lane to the hoop, he can take it. If not, he holds the ball and waits for Bradford to use the double screen set by Cook and Griffin to get to the top of the key. Bradford has hit 39.3 percent of his 3s at Illinois, so this is a perfect situation for him. "If he has a 3-pointer, we want him to shoot it," Judson says.

Just in case: Should Bradford find himself covered once he takes McClain's pass, he can hit Williams, who will be available on the right wing. Cook then will head to the high post, with Griffin down low. Then Illinois begins its basic motion set with Williams reading the defense and getting the ball to one of his taller teammates.