Struggling Wisconsin Player Resorts To Jumpshot Free Throws

There was a time when Wisconsin guard/forward Ryan Evans wasn't the sort of shooter who'd have trouble standing on a dock and tossing a ball into Lake Mendota. He shot 73 percent from the line last year, 81 percent in conference play. But the yips overtook him this season, and going into last night's game against Nebraska, he was shooting 40 percent on 126 free-throw attempts—the most of any Badgers player—and making Bo Outlaw look like Jerry West.

What to do? At the suggestion of coach Bo Ryan, Evans decided to try shooting jumpers from the line instead. He did this by lining up a few feet behind the stripe and taking a leap, Hal Greer-style. During the game last night, he got to the line twice and converted on both attempts, raising his season percentage a full point. The Kohl Center crowd was amused, and Evans said he plans to use it again when Wisconsin hosts Purdue on Sunday.

[ Bucky's Fifth Quarter; h/t to Samuel J.]