Hoops Beyond the Huddle Vol. 18

Welcome to the 18th issue of Hoops Beyond the Huddle!

This week we’re taking a look at a set from AS Monaco. In this game, Monaco player Mike James, put up a game high 20 points to become the EuroLeague’s all-time leading scorer. Monaco is currently sitting in fourth place in the EuroLeague and first in LNB (top French league). This set comes from week 28 action.

Watch the clip and we will break it down below.

This action is called Circle Up.

This set starts off in a typical Iverson formation. The 1 at the top, and 3 cutting from wing to wing with posts screens at elbows, out of a horns alignment.

The 4 sets the first elbow screen and the 5 sets the second. The 2 clearing out on the baseline (action 1).

The 4 sets a cross screen for the 5 on the elbow. The 5 runs up and sets a flip screen for the 1.

The 1 comes off the screen and drags the hedge out before retreating and swinging the ball to the 5 who popped instead of rolling (action 2).

In a typical Pick n Pop action, the closest defender on the top would tag or take the ball. However, since the 5 pops, the 4 roles. The clears out the top of the court for the 5 with no immediate help rotation.

Here’s the beauty in the action: the 4 sets a Gortat Screen on his own defender. As soon as the 5 puts the ball on the floor, the 4 tries to rotate out but the 4 pins him out of position. The 5 gets to the rim and gets sent to the foul line (action 3).

In the first half Red Star defended with a hard one or two step hedge on the ball screen. This was Monaco’s first offensive set in the second half. Although I wasn’t there, I can only imagine what the coaches talked about during half time.

That’s this week’s playbook breakdown! If you are interested in breakdowns like this one, reach out and let me know!

Cheers,

Keevan

Founder of Hoops Beyond the Huddle