Power plays: they work ... and work ... and work ... and work ...(SPECIAL SECTION)

NCAA Duke's Redick curl

Just get J.J. the damn ball

Read and react. Sounds pretty simple. See what the defense is doing and adjust Accordingly. It's the near flawless execution of that concept that makes it so difficult to guard J.J. Redick, who has become increasingly adept at learning new ways to get open.

Duke doesn't run anything overly complex for Redick, but even a basic curl is a nightmare to stop because of his ability to read screens. For instance, as Redick takes a handoff from Shelden Williams near the high post, he has several options. If Redick's defender is chasing him, he can curl around Williams' screen and drive toward the basket. If the defender tries to beat the screen over the top, Redick can flare out for a 3-pointer. If the defender runs into the screen, Redick will be open for a midrange shot. Of if Williams' defender hedges toward Redick, Williams can slide down the lane for a layup.

"J.J. can do whatever he wants," Duke assistant Steve Wojciechowski says. "There are going to be screeners in different positions, and he has the ability to use them if he wants to; he can refuse them if he wants to. It allows him to use his mind, and he's got a great mind for scoring."--Benson Taylor

NFL The Power O

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