I have just took over a Div I team that has 12 scollies and Ive decided to run a fastbreak/press combo. I was wondering if any sucessfull coaches who use this set can give me some pointers, either on here or thru site mail.....

thanks in advance

my first tip would be not to have to recruit 12 players all at once into a fb/press combo.

For the fastbreak/press combo, ideally you need 5-6 guards, 4 big men, and 1-2 utility (SF) type players.  You need at least 11 players to run effectively, in other words not more than 1 walk-on or red shirt.  I focus on SPD/BH/STA for the guards, and ATH/SPD/BH/STA for the other players.  Defense isn't quite as important as with man, although guards with high defense rating tend to get in foul trouble less often.  I've also found that guards with higher LP ratings are very effective as slashers in the fastbreak/press set.

sweet....thanks

I always use all 12 players. My #12 guy usually averages 8-10 minutes. I ideally run 7 guards in the PG, SG and SF positions.. SF type players in the PF position, and usually have pretty typical centers. For my guards I put the highest value on speed, defense and stamina. My forwards I put a high value on Athleticism, defense and stamina. And my centers a high value on athleticism, rebounding, defense and stamina. FT shooting is also something I always look at because we shoot a TON of FTs.

Have a look at my Grand Canyon team. This years team will be pretty close to being exactly what I want my team to look like. My team is usually high in team athleticism, speed, defense and stamina. Everything else is a bonus where you can get it. We're usually among the top in D2 ppg and turnovers against.

hawkstang, you forgot about ball handling which is arguably the most important attribute for the fastbreak offense.  Here's my Cal team in Naismith.  I aim for 40+ BH for the forwards and centers.  This team has fewer true guards then I'd like, but I'm making it work for now...

Name	Yr.	Pos.	A	SPD	REB	DE	BLK	LP	PE	BH	P	WE	ST	DU	FT	TOT
Brian Anstett	Jr.	PG	81	81	2	90	4	7	72	95	84	58	84	100	B-	758
Louis Glover	Sr.	SG	75	79	34	70	33	68	68	84	66	81	82	92	B+	832
Dale Powers	So.	SG	54	70	28	44	25	64	70	68	78	68	76	65	B-	710
Richard Staples	So.	SG	78	75	39	95	39	48	93	87	83	46	79	51	C	813
John Erving	Jr.	SF	90	76	52	96	48	55	75	66	51	71	75	65	B-	820
Dexter McCoppin	Fr.	SF	76	57	27	76	17	21	34	60	30	91	69	64	C+	622
Rick Prescott	Jr.	PF	83	64	89	93	61	64	15	43	58	50	84	28	C	732
Erik Terrill	Jr.	PF	86	53	70	93	56	79	23	50	49	50	78	65	C+	752
Richard Flynn	Fr.	PF	34	61	56	55	46	84	52	46	32	72	81	58	C	677
Darrell Solem	Fr.	PF	59	36	81	67	90	92	32	37	50	57	67	53	B	721
Francis Khang	Sr.	C	84	27	99	96	99	68	66	41	52	83	77	75	C+	867
John Phillips	Jr.	C	73	41	78	81	61	33	28	48	55	65	86	74	C+	723
Averages	-	-	73	60	55	80	48	57	52	60	57	66	78	66	C+	752
Key: A=Athleticism, BH=Ball Handling, P=Passing, SPD=Speed, DE=Defense, REB=Rebounding, BLK=Shot Blocking, PE=Perimeter, LP=Low Post, ST=Stamina, DU=Durability, WE=Work Ethic

I have to disagree about your importance on ball handling. For me, it's all about speed, defense, stamina and athletic bigs. I value ball handling lower than all those.

High D1 may be a different story though. But I know it's not nearly as important for my D2 team.

very good points guys....much appriciated