Originally Posted by
Virginian
It's true that's there are many instances when the traveling violation is not called. The rules say, for example, that when a player catches the ball in mid-air, his foot that first hits the floor is the pivot foot and may not be moved again. But we all see players regularly come down the with the ball and then move that pivot foot. The point is that most of the time this is done about 25 feet or so from the basket. No harm to anyone.
What Hansbrough does is very different. He will get the ball on the left side of the lane, dribble once to the baseline, pick up his dribble, stop, step towards the foul line with his left foot, spin his body and plant his right foot towards the free-throw line (a traveling violation) and then JUMP into the middle of the lane, landing on both feet, then throw his body into the nearest defender, throw the ball into the air and fall on his back, thus "earning" two free throws. In short, he's moved both feet at least twice and moved 15 to 18 feet across the floor without dribbling. And it's NEVER EVER called a traveling violation. What the heck is that?!!
Some people say "well, he'll get away with that in NBA." What's really going to happen is that he's going to make that spin move with several extra steps and some defender in the pros is going to slam him into the hardwood every time with no call. I, for one, can't wait.
You look at the percentage of his career points that came from the free-throw line and you have to conclude his whole career is basically a sham.
He could have been a great player but he's fallen back on this BS in the last couple of years. IMO he may have the UNC scoring record but he will NOT be considered one of the great ACC players.