What Shenley Basketball Shared in July 2023

July was a busy month on the Shenley Basketball blog. We tackled three very different topics that still tie into the same love for the game: getting onto a school team, comparing two NBA greats, and questioning a rule that many players find annoying. If you’re curious about any of these, you’re in the right spot.

How to Make the Freshman or Junior Varsity Team

We started the month with a straightforward guide for anyone eyeing a spot on the freshman or junior varsity (JV) squad. The main idea? Treat basketball like a daily habit. Show up early, stay late, and make every practice count. Think about Michael Jordan not just for his shoes but for his relentless work ethic—he never skipped a drill, even when the gym was empty.

Fitness is another non‑negotiable. A player who’s winded before halftime can’t help the team. Simple cardio, strength work, and good nutrition go a long way. And remember, basketball is a team sport. Coaches love players who pass, communicate, and put the group first. Show them you’re a teammate, not just a scorer, and you’ll boost your chances of making the roster.

Kevin Garnett vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo: Who’s the Bigger Impact?

The next post sparked a lot of debate. We compared Kevin Garnett, a defensive powerhouse from the early 2000s, with Giannis Antetokounmpo, the modern‑day “Greek Freak.” Garnett was known for his intensity, versatility, and the way he could guard multiple positions. Giannis, on the other hand, brings an almost unheard‑of blend of size, speed, and ball‑handling that changes how defenses react.

Both have won MVP awards and led their teams deep into the playoffs, but their styles differ. Garnett’s game was built on physicality and a relentless pick‑and‑roll presence. Giannis relies on his length to finish at the rim and his length on defense to protect the paint. The comparison isn’t about who’s better—it’s about how each player shaped the league in his era. Fans of classic, gritty play might side with Garnett, while those who love fast‑break, highlight‑reel finishes lean toward Giannis.

Regardless of your pick, the takeaway is clear: great players adapt, dominate, and inspire the next generation. That’s the real reason we love debating them.

Is the Five‑Second Closely Guarded Rule Pointless?

Our third post took a critical look at a rule many players find frustrating: the five‑second closely guarded rule. The rule says if you’re guarded for five seconds, you must pass, shoot, or dribble. In practice, it can halt the flow of a fast‑break or force a turnover when a defender simply hovers.

We argued that other rules already curb stalling—like the shot clock and the eight‑second backcourt rule—so adding another restriction seems redundant. Coaches we talked to said they sometimes use the rule strategically, but most of the time it feels like a nuisance rather than a necessity.

While the rule aims to keep the game moving, many players feel it punishes good ball‑handling and forces rushed decisions. If the league wants to keep basketball fast‑paced, maybe it’s time to revisit this rule during the next rule‑change committee meeting.

Those are the three main stories that made up July’s archive. Whether you’re a player chasing a team spot, a fan debating legends, or someone who just wants a smoother game, we hope the posts gave you something useful. Keep checking the Shenley Basketball blog for more tips, debates, and insights as the season rolls on.