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Show Page 12 THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume IV, Issue I April 15, 2001 Jazz Happenings By Jen Beasley Student Reporter The rules of the NBA have changed tremendously over the years. The three-point arch has been added and then moved back three feet. The shot clock was instituted. Time allotments for just about everything have fluctuated pretty much annually, and this year, as always, change is the constant. One of the rules up for a change is the illegal defense. The problem with illegal defense is that everyone—refs, coaches, players—has a different perspective of what the rule is. Illegal defense basically means that a player must fully commit to a double-team, but there are many complex technicalities to go along with it. Because the definition varies from official to official, it is nearly impossible for a player to effectively play defense without becoming illegal at some point. So why not just do away with the rule that everyone seems to hate? Simple. The illegal defense guards against a team going to a zone defense. The NBA is constantly changing rules to make the game more fast-paced and high scoring. The zone defense is far more effective than man-to-man, so if it were legalized, teams would begin to use it, making pro ball more like col- lege, lowering scores, and in the process, lowering television ratings. One of the solutions this year is to go to a defensive three-in-the-key violation, meaning a defensive player could not stand in the paint for more than three seconds. This would be effective, because it would force players to stay on their man. The center position is the one most frequently whistled illegal, and because the threesecond violation is already in force offensively (except in the case of Shaq), a defensive center would have no choice but to follow his man out of the paint. So what is the penalty if a defensive player is called for three-seconds? How about if both teams have a player setting up camp in the paint? I don’t know. Those technicalities will be discussed at the session, along with other rule changes that are voted on by a panel of team owners, CEOs and managers. For instance, there is the possibility of shortening the ten allotted seconds to eight when the offensive team is bringing the ball up to mid-court. Also, the committee will be discussing the elimination of the second-hand foul, with which a defensive player is whistled just for putting both of his hands on his opponent, even if he does not push or use force. Over all, I think these rule changes should be made. The defensive three seconds is a fantastic solution to removing the illegal defense without allowing zone play. Ten seconds is way too much time for a pro to dribble a basketball 48 feet, and two-handtouch belongs in playground football. Fast Break 3/22/01- The Jazz blow a 13 point lead in the fourth quarter to lose another heartbreaker to the Blazers, 99-101. Danny Manning put forth a stellar game despite the loss, with 25 points. 3/24/01- Utah ran away with the game early versus Washington and won by a 28-point lashing 119-91 as Karl Malone passed Moses Malone for the all time record for free throws made. 3/26/01- The Jazz ran out of steam against their possible first-round playoff foe, the Dallas Mavericks. Mavs Michael Finley and Dirk Nowitzki had 33 and 27 points respectively, as they knocked off Utah 98-90. 3/27/01- With a blood clot in his left leg, Hakeem Olajuwon was not expected to return to the Houston lineup this season, possibly ever. After missing only 9 games, however, the Dream returned, leading an exuberant Rockets team to 109-86 victory over Utah simultaneously handing the Jazz their worst loss of the season. 3/29/01- Dropping their third straight game by the margin of their disastrous first quarter, the Jazz struggled through 48 minutes with the Twin Towers, and looked merely relieved to go home after being thumped by the Spurs 106-88. 3/30/01- The Jazz came in with something to prove, and in an emotional game against the Cavaliers, came out with a victory 95-88. Chris Gatling and Danny Manning were both tossed after a small altercation, and Donyell Marshall and Clarence Weatherspoon each got a T. 4/03/01- Karl Malone scored 31 points despite having the flu, and Kobe Bryant did not play due to an ankle injury, but it wasn’t enough at the end as Jazz fall to the Lakers 96-88. This makes Utah a pathetic 1 and 8 versus the top six teams in the west. Senior Meals Meals provided at the Ogden Valley Branch Library. April 12: Seafood Cheddar Pie, Cheese Sauce, Potatoes Romanoff, Zucchini and Tomatoes, Cherry Pineapple Gelatin Salad and Kiwi Fruit. April 19: Ham Loaf with Mustard Glaze, Scalloped Potatoes, Mandarin Orange Beets, Tossed Salad with Dressing, Cinnamon Applesauce and Cornmeal Muffin April 26: Corned Beef, Seasoned Whole Potatoes, Seasoned Cabbage, Ambrosia Fruit Salad, Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing and Dinner Roll. OneMoment inTime Children’s Theatre All classes for ages 12 & under. From acting to singing, accents to masks, our classes open new worlds of ideas to young actors & actresses. Stage Acting / Live Acting (movies, TV & commercials) Call 745-2778 or 745-1265 NOTICE to HOME OWNERS Leaking shower valves may only leak when you turn them on. You might not be alarmed, but it may be leaking behind the wall causing costly damage. Don’t let the little leaks go. A large problem always starts with a trickle! 627-5953 Look for a new notice next issue! |