Per BYU podcast, BYU is -44 in free throws attemptted through 3 games in Big 12 play.
They are well aware that's unsustainable, but they don't think BYU is built to get to the line more than they have been. The only obvious answer is to foul less, but this conference is especially unkind to teams that give up points in the paint. (Hence the TJ/Kyle Green insistence on over-helping and doubling the ball out at all costs...to which I 100% agree with that strategy, although it seems increasingly unpopular on CF)
Which leads me to my next unpopular take: I want to see more Keshon Gilbert forcing the issue at the rim, especially early in the shot clock when the defense is still getting settled and sorting stuff out. Refs DO give you more benefit of the doubt for attacking early and don't want to be seen as bailing people out late.
Basically, yes, I want a little more "hero ball" from Keshon. Nothing crazy, but more. If you've ever been on the other side of it, it's really tough to manage getting blitzed downhill earlier and more often than you like by someone who is good at it.
The late clock foul calls are the ones that really get the crowd and opposing coaches hot, and refs are human after all. That's when "hero ball" really can get you in trouble. The early ones get a groan and quick protest, but its usually comparatively mild and short lived. The coaches actually usually tend to get on their guys for not stopping ball for early clock drives, but they ALWAYS get on the refs for the late ones.
And like I said before, it sucks to be on the receiving end of it. You start racking up fouls and pointing fingers. It also chops the game up and gets you out of your own flow offensively, which only enhances our style of play.
