Defenses have changed because of long-range threat

Deep-shooting threats like BYU’s Jimmer Fredette and Vanderbilt’s John Jenkins have helped alter how coaches prepare their defenses.

This is the 25th NCAA tournament since the 3-point shot was implemented by the NCAA.

Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings says before there was a 3-point line, teams concentrated on defending the basket and the lane.

Now players like Fredette and Jenkins rarely get to the 3-point line before they are hounded by a defender. Leave them alone, they’re likely to take a long shot and score. Pay too much attention, they’re likely to find an open teammate closer to the basket.

Arizona guard Lamont Jones says the team’s motto under second-year coach Sean Miller is “defend the 3-point line.”

(This version corrects to ’threats’ in 1st paragraph.)