Discovering the Art of Long Basketball: 7 Techniques to Elevate Your Game

You know, when I first heard the term "long basketball," I thought it was just about being tall. But after watching the Altas' preseason games and analyzing their new roster, I've come to understand it's so much more than that. It's about extending your reach in every aspect of the game - from defensive positioning to offensive spacing. Today, I want to share with you what I've discovered about this fascinating approach to the game, particularly through the lens of this exciting new Altas team.

So what exactly is "long basketball" and why should players care about it?

Well, let me tell you - long basketball isn't just physical length, though that certainly helps. It's about creating advantages through extended court coverage, both offensively and defensively. Watching the Altas' new lineup develop, I've noticed how players like the 6'4" Mark Gojo Cruz use their wingspan not just for rebounds but for disrupting passing lanes. Patrick Sleat, despite being a guard, plays "long" by anticipating plays two steps ahead. This approach creates what I like to call "defensive gravity" - where the court feels smaller for opponents because our players cover so much ground. The Altas are demonstrating that long basketball is as much about mental preparation and positioning as it is about physical attributes.

How can players develop better court vision and anticipation?

This is where watching the Altas' battle-tested rookies has been particularly enlightening. I've counted at least 12 instances in their last scrimmage where LA Casinillo made passes that seemed to defy physics - but really, he was just seeing the court two seconds ahead of everyone else. My personal theory? Great court vision comes from studying patterns. John Paul Boral, for instance, has this habit of scanning the court during dead balls, memorizing positioning. I've started implementing a simple drill I observed from their training: during practice, call out the jersey colors of all five defenders while dribbling. It's frustrating at first, but after three weeks, your peripheral vision expands dramatically.

What's the secret to maintaining defensive intensity throughout the game?

Here's something I've noticed about the Altas' deeper lineup - they're able to maintain what I'd call "persistent defensive pressure" because they have quality players who can rotate without significant drop-offs. Last season, the Altas averaged about 4.2 steals per game in the fourth quarter. This season, with their enhanced roster, I'm projecting that number to jump to at least 6.5. The key isn't just having starters who can play defense - it's having a full roster where players like Patrick Sleat can come off the bench and immediately apply pressure. Personally, I believe this depth will be their secret weapon in close games, especially during the crucial NCAA tournament stretch.

How important is three-point shooting in modern basketball strategy?

Let me be blunt here - if you're not developing consistent three-point shooters in today's game, you're basically playing with one hand tied behind your back. The Altas understand this perfectly. During their offseason training, I'm told John Paul Boral took approximately 500 three-point shots daily, focusing specifically on corner threes. Why? Because in their system, the corner three creates the most efficient spacing. What impressed me most was watching Mark Gojo Cruz work on what coaches call "movement threes" - catching and shooting while coming off screens. This isn't just stationary shooting; it's about maintaining accuracy while in motion, which I consider the true test of a shooter's worth.

What role does team chemistry play in executing complex plays?

Oh, this is where the magic happens! Watching the Altas' preseason workouts, I observed something fascinating - their core five players have developed what I can only describe as "basketball telepathy." There was this one play where LA Casinillo drove baseline, and without even looking, flipped a no-look pass to exactly where Mark Gojo Cruz would be two seconds later. That's not just practiced plays - that's genuine chemistry. From my playing days, I remember that the best teams develop this almost sixth sense about where teammates will be. The Altas' deeper lineup means they can run their offensive sets at higher intensity for longer periods, which frankly excites me as a basketball purist.

How can players improve their decision-making under pressure?

This is where the Altas' battle-tested rookies really shine. I've noticed that in crunch time situations during their tune-up games, players like Patrick Sleat demonstrate remarkable composure. The secret? They've been training with what coaches call "decision-making overload" - practicing with defensive pressure from multiple angles simultaneously. One drill I particularly liked involved having players make pass/shoot/drive decisions while coaches shouted conflicting instructions. It sounds chaotic, but it prepares you for actual game noise and pressure. Personally, I think this approach will result in at least 2-3 more close game victories this season simply because their players won't be rattled in final minutes.

What's the most overlooked aspect of player development?

Here's my hot take: everyone focuses on physical skills, but the most underrated development area is basketball IQ. The Altas' coaching staff seems to agree - they've incorporated film study sessions that specifically focus on reading opponent tendencies. LA Casinillo mentioned in an interview that they spend about 6 hours weekly just watching and analyzing game footage. That's professional-level preparation! What I love about this approach is that it creates what I call "anticipatory players" - athletes who don't just react to what's happening but predict what will happen next. This mental preparation, combined with their physical tools, is what will make discovering the art of long basketball so effective for this squad.

As we wrap up, I'm genuinely excited to see how these seven techniques transform the Altas' game this season. Their deeper lineup isn't just about having more bodies - it's about having the right pieces to execute this long basketball philosophy properly. The combination of veterans like Mark Gojo Cruz with emerging talents creates what I believe could be the most dynamic Altas team we've seen in recent years. Remember, mastering these techniques won't happen overnight, but watching this team develop has convinced me that discovering the art of long basketball could be the key to unlocking your highest potential on the court.