Contrary to popular perception, Steve Lavin’s Bruins actually do run an offense.
When UCLA players are swinging the ball around the three-point arc for what seems like an eternity, they’re actually looking for favorable passing lanes.
When Bruins run the floor in seemingly haphazard patterns, they’re actually assuring themselves necessary floor spacing.
And when it seems like Cedric Bozeman and Ryan Walcott aren’t even calling plays, it’s because, well, they aren’t.
Technically, at least. The Bruins typically run a motion offense – a structure that can break down almost any defense when it’s working or look like muddled nonsense when it’s not.
“When you get into a game, most teams are going to disrupt set plays,” senior Ray Young said. “And you need to be able to realize this and adjust.”
Instead of restricting players with forced movements and predetermined plays, the motion offense operates under a short set of rules. Beyond those regulations, players are free to create shot opportunities, which highlights the individual creativity and athleticism that is abundant in the Bruins.
Simple as that, right? Well, not exactly.
Any UCLA fan with even the slightest amount of basketball knowledge can tell that the Bruins’ offense can often look stagnant (Young actually used the exact word after the team’s 0-2 start) or, worse, like nothing better than pickup basketball.
And more than anything else, that’s because the motion rules still require tremendous discipline and decision-making acumen. Players must be sure not to pick up their dribbles (and draw a possible double-team). Screens must be set with purpose. And most of all, the motion offense requires motion, and lots of it.
Once the movement stops, the defense gets a chance to adjust and all unpredictability is lost. It’s a point hardly lost on Lavin.
“As a coach, what I’ve learned is that it’s not whether you run more structure or more motion, it’s how you execute,” he said.
Lavin has also learned that one offensive approach usually isn’t enough. After spending much of last season in a 1-4 set play structure around center Dan Gadzuric, the Bruins brought in more motion and looked like a new team.
Comfortable, but at the same time lethal, UCLA became one of the tougher teams in the conference for which to prepare. The freewheeling motion was a good match for a full-court press, too.
“With the motion, once we make stops it’s easier to get into our offense,” sophomore Ryan Walcott said.
But even freedom takes some getting used to, especially for the younger Bruins.
“Any system takes a while,” Lavin said. “There is a set of program building blocks, and when you have older players it’s easier for them to get a better grasp.”