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Transforming a Tradition: Why the 1-3-1 Needs to Go In 1964, the first Ford Mustang rolled off the assembly line. It was sleek and unlike any of its predecessors. In 1964, Jim Kane created what was then St. John’s athletic program. 59 years later, the Mustang (taking cues from its former self) has been upgraded to a match the needs and desires of modern drivers. The Mount Michael Knights 59 years later are still running the same offensive and defensive basketball system. It is in sore need of a restoration. For those of you who don’t know, the 1-3-1 defense has been the staple of Mount Michael’s basketball identity since Kane. It is defined as one guard at the top with two wings and a center in the middle and another guard man running the baseline. The principle behind this defense is that with so many players in the lane, the other team will be forced to shoot outside shots. In addition the defense aids teams that cannot match up well. It also creates a high number of turnovers because of the frequency of traps that can be applied. Some of these advantages still apply today. This year’s team has been characterized as hard working by head coach John Roshone. The zone has allowed this year’s team, like teams in the past, to achieve beyond their talent levels through hard work. Running the 1-3-1 also allows them to create a lot of turnovers from their traps. In addition, the Knights minimize their height disadvantage and lack of speed in the post positions by sitting in this zone. This is where the advantages end though. The modern era of sports has created specialization. When Coach Kane implemented the first 1-3-1 at Mount Michael, the three point line did not exist, boys most often times played three sports, and the game was based on set plays and set shots. Now, players spend hours in the gym perfecting their three-point shooting instead of playing multiple sports. Instead of playing three sports, athletes are focusing on strength and conditioning for their main sport allowing them to expand their game beyond what any player would have during Kane’s era. In addition, offensive ideals have strayed away from set plays, instead moving towards a read and react style system also known as a motion offense. These motion offenses have the ability to carve the 1-3-1 by making the defense collapse on a man driving to the lane who then kicks it out to a shooter who is left to shoot uncontested. Another factor in the downfall of 1-3-1 is the gym known as the beloved Palace. While the rafters may creak when the opponents shoot free throws, the small court hinders any development of additional styles of defensive play. With the court being so small, the zone had less area to cover and made the offense in general have poor floor spacing. Today the Knights only play 6 or 7 home games. That means the rest of the games are played on full sized courts that allow for offenses to spread the defense out. This extra running wears down the team that often has to play defense for stretches of up to 2 minutes at a time due to the lack of a shot clock in Nebraska. Like the Mustang, it is time for an upgrade. This by no means is a call to eliminate the 1-3-1, but to add pieces around it. Take for example Michigan who ranked in the top 25, they run the 1-3-1 sparingly by mixing in man to man and 2-3 zones, and it is effective. Plus not only does this create different opportunities on the court, it forces opponents to prepare for Mount Michael. The last time anyone scouted Mount Michael for offensive and defensive systems was in 1964; that’s how unchanging they are as a team. This translates to opponents having to prepare for very little thus they can spend more time perfecting how they want to attack the defense. With a change in systems, it would spark not only a revival of Knights basketball, but a change in culture back towards an expectation of winning. The Knights would be able to compete and win on a consistant basis no matter who is on the team. Coach Kane instilled a legacy of hard work, excellence and a winning tradition. The game has evolved since he first coached in the Palace, and to continue his legacy, Mount Michael Basketball needs to evolve its game. This means moving away from purely running the 1-3-1 into an era where the Knights are able to run multiple looks on both the offensive and defensive end. This will truly continue the legacy of Coach Kane and Mount Michael Basketball can return to its long standing tradition of winning and excellence. “Coach Kane instilled a legacy of hard work, excellence, and a winning tradition.” -Randy Speer The Knights play their 1-3-1 defense against Neumann, a game that they lost 74-48. photo by Yoonho Kim Randy Speer | Staff Writer | Editorial
