Tough Call

[JLK]

To count or not to count...that is the question!!

If you are counting in the begining of the game, you better be counting with 4.8 seconds left in the game(Consistency). I wonder why no one has mentioned the "Big Brother" factor. Most games I officiate, have at least 1 video camera recording the game. I would never want to get myself caught on tape not counting when I should be counting. I count for backcourt even if the team will be in the frontcourt in 3 seconds.

"Officials should not affect the outcome of the game." I don't think Paul affected the outcome of the game. The player put him in a position where he had to make this particular call...albit not a popular one. Players know they have a limit on how long they can take to shoot a free throw (just like they know they can't camp in the lane for more than 3 seconds). I also think Paul did a wonderful job of giving the player as much leeway as possible.