Evolving point position dominates college game

[Markeymark]

The responsibilities of a college point guard, stretched by an evolving game, have never been this demanding. Once viewed as a deliberate, one-dimensional piece, the point guard has been transformed into a player who can barely resemble the 20th-century equivalent.

The 35-second shot clock has dramatically accelerated the rate of his decision-making process, even as coaches demand the same precision. The three-point line has added value to shooting skills that force defenses to respect an outside threat. The ever-present motivation of NBA dollars, rewarding scoring over distributing, has made the traditional subservient role an enormous financial risk for an elite-level athlete.

All the while, coaches search for those rare players capable of extending their philosophies throughout the 94-foot length of the floor. The success of that search, complicated by a scarcity of elite-level prospects, can separate contenders from pretenders.

"The pure point guard position is almost becoming extinct," says Bob Cousy, 76, the player credited with popularizing creative efficiency at the position through his Hall of Fame career.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/bonus/2004-11-04-cover-points_x.htm

[bulls96go]

looks like mac may have a few good point guards