In the world of basketball, the term “and-one” is one that is often used to describe a player who is fouled while making a shot and still manages to sink the basket. It is a display of incredible skill and concentration, showcasing a player’s ability to perform under pressure. And recently, there have been several notable and-one moments that have captivated fans and left them in awe.
One of the most talked-about and-one moments came from none other than former NBA player Chris Weis. Weis, who was known for his sharp shooting and tenacious defense, pulled off a spectacular and-one play during a charity exhibition game. With the clock winding down and his team trailing by one point, Weis drove to the basket, absorbed contact from two defenders, and somehow managed to bank in a reverse layup. The crowd erupted in cheers as Weis calmly sank the ensuing free throw to give his team the win.
Not to be outdone, current NBA star Joel Embiid also had his fair share of and-one moments this past season. The Philadelphia 76ers center showcased his dominant presence in the paint by drawing fouls and converting tough shots with ease. One particular play that stood out was when Embiid powered through a double team, muscled his way to the rim, and finished with a thunderous dunk. The and-one call was made, and Embiid pumped his fist in celebration as he headed to the free-throw line.
But it’s not just the pros who have been making headlines with their and-one plays. College basketball standout Jalen Cook of LSU has been turning heads with his ability to finish through contact and convert tough shots. Cook, a dynamic guard with a quick first step and soft touch around the basket, has a knack for drawing fouls and making the defense pay. In a recent game against a tough conference opponent, Cook drove to the hoop, absorbed a hard foul, and still managed to sink a difficult layup. The and-one play electrified the crowd and gave his team a much-needed spark.
In addition to the on-court action, there has been some controversy surrounding the topic of and-ones and their potential impact on the game. Some critics argue that players are exploiting the rules by looking for contact and trying to draw fouls rather than focusing on making a clean shot. They believe that this trend could lead to a decline in the overall quality of play and diminish the integrity of the sport.
On the other hand, supporters of and-ones argue that it is simply a part of the game and should be celebrated as a display of skill and determination. They believe that players who can convert tough shots while under pressure deserve to be rewarded for their efforts. And as long as players are not intentionally seeking out contact or playing in an unsportsmanlike manner, there is no harm in taking advantage of the rules to create scoring opportunities.
Regardless of where you stand on the issue, one thing is clear: and-one plays are here to stay and will continue to be a source of excitement and entertainment for basketball fans around the world. So the next time you see a player take a hard foul, make a tough shot, and convert the free throw, remember to appreciate the skill and determination it takes to pull off an and-one.
