[BillBradley]

My point is that it is a tall order to develop a perimeter shot, and that the assumption that she could have, had she tried hard enough, while ultimately non-falsifiable, may or may not have been correct.

Why is it that people accept that there is a limit to how much people can improve their quickness and athleticism, but that anybody can become a good perimeter shooter if they just shoot enough shots in the gym day after day?

BC

I see. Well, I think we have to clarify something. My assertions have been specific to Haley Jones, not to "anybody" or Shaq. Haley Jones has played the game at a high level her entire life. She was the #1 recruit in the country as a GUARD possessing a wide array of ball skills - dribbling, catching, passing, etc. and does not lack strength or hand-eye coordination. In her case, I don't think it's a question of ability at all. She was always a pretty good free throw shooter (haven't looked up her stats but I'd be surprised if she wasn't at least in the 70's %) and shot the midrange at a high % (although a little flat for my taste).  So I stand by my point - not a tall order for her to develop a perimeter shot. 

FWIW, I do agree that not everyone will become a good shooter just by shooting tons of shots day after day. That statement brings all sorts of "people" into the equation, all with different innate abilities. Shaq probably (I really don't know, this is just my opinion) lacked some of these abilities and therefore couldn't ever get over the hump at the FT line. But I 100% believe that a catch and shoot 3 pointer is something that can be developed by guards if they put in the work. Again, I'm not talking about running and catching and shooting, or dribbling, step-back, Curry-ish shooting. Just simple catch and shoot or step-in 3's. Enough to keep the defense honest so they don't back off you and dare you to shoot it, much like we saw at Stanford. Get a shooting coach, work on your fundamentals, shoot thousands of shots in the offseason, and yes - you will very much improve. There have been so many players over the years (I could create a really long list if I wanted to spend the time) who improved their shooting... It's not like it's some crazy unfair ask for Haley. For whatever reason, she didn't do it.

[BillBradley]

My point is that it is a tall order to develop a perimeter shot, and that the assumption that she could have, had she tried hard enough, while ultimately non-falsifiable, may or may not have been correct.

Why is it that people accept that there is a limit to how much people can improve their quickness and athleticism, but that anybody can become a good perimeter shooter if they just shoot enough shots in the gym day after day?

BC

I see. Well, I think we have to clarify something. My assertions have been specific to Haley Jones, not to "anybody" or Shaq. Haley Jones has played the game at a high level her entire life. She was the #1 recruit in the country as a GUARD possessing a wide array of ball skills - dribbling, catching, passing, etc. and does not lack strength or hand-eye coordination. In her case, I don't think it's a question of ability at all. She was always a pretty good free throw shooter (haven't looked up her stats but I'd be surprised if she wasn't at least in the 70's %) and shot the midrange at a high % (although a little flat for my taste).  So I stand by my point - not a tall order for her to develop a perimeter shot. 

FWIW, I do agree that not everyone will become a good shooter just by shooting tons of shots day after day. That statement brings all sorts of "people" into the equation, all with different innate abilities. Shaq probably (I really don't know, this is just my opinion) lacked some of these abilities and therefore couldn't ever get over the hump at the FT line. But I 100% believe that a catch and shoot 3 pointer is something that can be developed by guards if they put in the work. Again, I'm not talking about running and catching and shooting, or dribbling, step-back, Curry-ish shooting. Just simple catch and shoot or step-in 3's. Enough to keep the defense honest so they don't back off you and dare you to shoot it, much like we saw at Stanford. Get a shooting coach, work on your fundamentals, shoot thousands of shots in the offseason, and yes - you will very much improve. There have been so many players over the years (I could create a really long list if I wanted to spend the time) who improved their shooting... It's not like it's some crazy unfair ask for Haley. For whatever reason, she didn't do it.