Elam Ending

[Fredact]

So I've watched several games of TBT where they are using the Elam Ending. If you don't know what that is: at the first break with under 4 minutes left in the game, they turn off the clock and set a "target score" of 8 more than the currently leading teams score. The first team to get that total wins.

The proponents of the system cite these advantages: it virtually eliminates end of game fouling to stop the clock. All games end on a winning shot. It also eliminates overtimes, which is an advantage for TV schedulers.

I've come to the conclusion that this is a terrible idea for basketball. I understand some people dislike late game fouling (I don't, to me it adds a great deal of tension in late game situations), but I don't see any other reason to do it.

The biggest disadvantage, is that it removes all of the drama from the game. Think back to your greatest college basketball memories, I'll bet that 90% of those involve a buzzer beater an overtime, or a time running out scramble. All of those are gone with the Elam Ending. No Ronald Ramon shot, no 3 OT's vs WVU, no scrambling steals vs Syracuse for a comeback after being way down. On a national level, no Christian Laetner shot, no 6 OT UConn vs Syracuse, no Bryce Drew winner, and no halfcourt heaves any where.

So I'm a solid "no" on the Elam Ending.

 

[BballinsiderfromPitt]

So I've watched several games of TBT where they are using the Elam Ending. If you don't know what that is: at the first break with under 4 minutes left in the game, they turn off the clock and set a "target score" of 8 more than the currently leading teams score. The first team to get that total wins.

The proponents of the system cite these advantages: it virtually eliminates end of game fouling to stop the clock. All games end on a winning shot. It also eliminates overtimes, which is an advantage for TV schedulers.

I've come to the conclusion that this is a terrible idea for basketball. I understand some people dislike late game fouling (I don't, to me it adds a great deal of tension in late game situations), but I don't see any other reason to do it.

The biggest disadvantage, is that it removes all of the drama from the game. Think back to your greatest college basketball memories, I'll bet that 90% of those involve a buzzer beater an overtime, or a time running out scramble. All of those are gone with the Elam Ending. No Ronald Ramon shot, no 3 OT's vs WVU, no scrambling steals vs Syracuse for a comeback after being way down. On a national level, no Christian Laetner shot, no 6 OT UConn vs Syracuse, no Bryce Drew winner, and no halfcourt heaves any where.

So I'm a solid "no" on the Elam Ending.

Yeah it’s a good hook for the basketball tournament but certainly wouldn’t want it in college or NBA. I wouldn’t mind it in high school if we never wise up and get a universal shot clock though.

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

So I've watched several games of TBT where they are using the Elam Ending. If you don't know what that is: at the first break with under 4 minutes left in the game, they turn off the clock and set a "target score" of 8 more than the currently leading teams score. The first team to get that total wins.

The proponents of the system cite these advantages: it virtually eliminates end of game fouling to stop the clock. All games end on a winning shot. It also eliminates overtimes, which is an advantage for TV schedulers.

I've come to the conclusion that this is a terrible idea for basketball. I understand some people dislike late game fouling (I don't, to me it adds a great deal of tension in late game situations), but I don't see any other reason to do it.

The biggest disadvantage, is that it removes all of the drama from the game. Think back to your greatest college basketball memories, I'll bet that 90% of those involve a buzzer beater an overtime, or a time running out scramble. All of those are gone with the Elam Ending. No Ronald Ramon shot, no 3 OT's vs WVU, no scrambling steals vs Syracuse for a comeback after being way down. On a national level, no Christian Laetner shot, no 6 OT UConn vs Syracuse, no Bryce Drew winner, and no halfcourt heaves any where.

So I'm a solid "no" on the Elam Ending.

Count me a solid no as well. The day college ball would go there is the day I would stop being a fan.

 

[TheChair]

I really like the Elam ending as I think it protects against overcoaching. Elam came up with a scenario that protects against fouling, clock manipulation, referee influence, etc.

I do not think it should be used for (especially) pro or college games. But, for the HS level (and earlier levels), AAU, All-Star games, certain high level semi-pro leagues (like the TBT and Big 3) it makes a ton of sense to me.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

I am against except....for the fact of Pitt games that start at 9:00 and there is a scheduled game on the same channel at 7:00. And you know what that means. OT. Foul fest. The game drags on and on...and the Pitt games comes on 5 minutes into the game.