Quote:
Originally posted by TriggerMN
Michigan State leads Michigan by about 11 with 2:13 to go in the 2nd half. After a made free throw by Michigan, MSU inbounds, with Ed Hightower as the trail. Before the ball gains frontcourt status, MSU calls a time-out with 2:02 remaining.
Before I go on, I understand that the official's count is how the 10-second violation is determined, and not by the game clock. I'm fine with no violation here.
However, Hightower NEVER had a visual count for the entire time the ball was in the backcourt. I don't mean to pick on Hightower, as many officials at the D-1 level don't seem to use a visual count--he just happened to be the official in this instance.
I guess the visual count is one of those "small things" that are irrelevant in a D-1 game?
I'm curious as to what others think about this. Anyone think there should always be the visual count? Anyone feel that there are more important things to worry about?
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I don't think it's as important for the backcourt, if you trust the officials to be counting. For the 5 second count it's more important, because the players need to know whether or not they're in the closely guarded situation. With the backcourt count, everyone knows it's there. Also, I'm guessing in the situation you cite that he saw the TO coming and gave it to them. The whistle and clock stop may have added the extra second.