Debunking the perceived correlation of pace and being a good basketball team

(Photo Credit: Josh Albelda, ABS-CBN Sports)

Note: For definitions of what these particular statistics mean, check out this glossary by Basketball Reference.

"BABA NA AGAD!!!" My dad shouts to our other teammates, as we find ourselves down by 2 points in a pick-up game versus some friends. My cousin is then asked to inbound the ball, and there are two conflicting voices shouting at him. My dad proceeds to shout "Wag mo ibato, bigay mo sa kanya!", pertaining to one of my teammates who was close to him. But my uncle shouts "PUSH!", as in "push the pace" by pushing the ball fast and going for the fast break opportunity. My cousin is then left frozen, with no idea of what the proper decision is to be.

I've been placed in such a situation as well. My dad has taught me to play with a deliberate style (if you're reading this KBoys/Big Bolero Brand, explains why I play like Arvin Tolentino) while trying to maintain efficiency (okay this didn't stick to me). On the other hand, my cousins have preached pushing the ball and going for as much shots as possible. It was a clash between two different paces of play.

The topic of pace has been a hot one ever since the De La Salle Green Archers brought the Mayhem philosophy into the UAAP. Last season, the entire league registered its highest average pace ever since Season 74, with a number of 82.6. But that's of no comparison at all to this season, as more and more teams have embraced using a pressing defense into their arsenal. The level of play in the UAAP has risen, so there's this idea that playing with a faster pace automatically means that you're a better basketball teams.

This isn't a completely flawed idea. Playing with a faster pace means being presented with more opportunities. It's embracing #ShootYourShot, but being more technical about it. Take every opportunity that you can, because chances are, a shot is bound to go in.

But in the league today, just getting "a shot" to go in isn't enough. Getting a lot of opportunities won't cut it. Maybe back then it could have, but in the league where offenses and teams are getting smarter, just getting attempts won't be enough to win games. Take the UST Growling Tigers, the La Salle Green Archers and the Ateneo Blue Eagles for example.

As of this writing, La Salle (89.2) and UST (88.8) currently have the highest paces in the league. But, La Salle currently holds a record of 11-2, while UST holds a record of 0-13. Both teams play fast, that is a given. They also both love to press, and in effect, they play a faster brand of basketball. They also both struggle when it comes to taking care of the basketball, ranking in the top two in terms of total turnovers committed. But what gives?

The biggest reason for such is their defense. In terms of Defensive Rating (points allowed per 100 possessions), UST is dead last allowing 101.2 points per 100 possessions, while La Salle ranks third allowing 90.9 points per 100 possessions. One of the biggest factors for this is the difference of how both teams react whenever they lose the ball. With UST, not only do they lose the ball a ton, but whenever they do, chances are you'll get an automatic two points (last in terms of fast break points allowed). On the other hand, La Salle isn't as careless when it comes to such errors. They still get killed on fast breaks (bottom 3 in terms of fast break points allowed), but more often than not they managed to stop such attempts thanks to their combination of size, athleticism and smarts. 

It's not a matter of effort when it comes to this conversation of defense between La Salle and UST. For sure, both teams manage to try and run back to the other side whenever they make a mistake. The difference lies with how they channel that effort into effective basketball plays. La Salle has a clear idea of which player to take during fast break opportunities, while UST often struggles which such simple rotations. Such ability to execute also occurs in half court sets as La Salle has clear ideas of how to work within such a set-up, while UST struggles whenever they don't have Jordan Sta. Ana trying to make something out of nothing every time he penetrates towards the rim. The result of such is conflicting overall numbers. La Salle has a Net Rating of 13.7 (104.5 Offensive Rating), while UST has a Net rating of -14.7 (86.4 Offensive Rating). 

Even though La Salle has such gaudy statistics, that's of no comparison to Ateneo who has a Net Rating of 17.7 and an ORTG of 107.5. Does this mean Ateneo plays with a fast pace just like La Salle and UST? Not at all, as they actually rank LAST in the league in terms of Pace, registering a number of 81.6. So how are they able to produce such numbers?

The biggest reason for such is efficiency with their possessions. The Blue Eagles have been described with a ton of buzzwords such as "system" and "teamwork". There's more to such. All teams have a set system in place, but it's ultimately up to the players to use that system effectively. The Blue Eagles do just that, as they take advantage of everything their system gives to them. Major props not just to the players, but also to Coach Tab Baldwin for managing to instill such knowledge. There's a reason plays like this have managed to happen for Ateneo (here's a breakdown of EVERYTHING that happened in that play):

If you were wondering, here's the summary of all statistics:

Team Name	Pace	Offensive Rating	Defensive Rating
Ateneo Blue Eagles	81.6	107.5	89.8
De La Salle Green Archers	89.2	104.5	90.8
UST Growling Tigers	88.8	86.4	101.1

What these statistics tell us is this: Playing with a faster pace doesn't automatically mean you are a good basketball team. Playing fast means you get more opportunities, but what matters is how you handle those opportunities given to you. What's the point of getting tons of possessions if you have no idea how to use these properly right?

Ateneo has the least amount of possessions as the three teams mentioned in this piece, but they make the most of what they are given. The end result is a record of 13-0, and one win away from an outright Finals berth.

La Salle manages to get a lot of possessions, and they're somehow efficient with what they do. It's not all Mayhem with this team. There's a ton of smarts too, but there's definitely improvement. The result is a record of 11-2, and a real chance of stopping an Ateneo sweep on Sunday.

UST gets a lot of possessions, but they have no clear idea of what to do with these. There's talent, but this talent is not managed well thus poor offensive and defensive numbers. The result is a record of 0-13, and a real chance of entering Magi Sison territory.

My cousin ends up getting me the ball before being called for a five second infraction. My uncle tells me to push it while my dad is begging me to settle down. Sorry uncle. I'll play it safe by making the efficient choice. Get back down on the other end. Let's set-up some half court goodness. We're a good basketball team, fast pace or not, as long as we play efficiently.