There are other possible reasons. As an example my "other" sport is soccer. We are taught to backpedal except when additional speed is required. Facing the oncoming play allows a "full view" of the contesting players. To work college soccer part of the annual "physical performance" test is a timed 8 part "agility" sequence of which 4 parts are backpedaling. To NOT backpedal is considered "lazy and unprofessional."
My very first basketball training session I was told not to backpedal, I acquiesced, I now run forward with my head turned, with a "crick" in my neck,
and relying on "partial" peripheral vision when I know for a fact that I could backpedal and have a better overall view of the play.
But "when in Rome".
So Imeadski just "go along to get along". If you want to advance in basketball, this is not a "hill to die on".
