Do My Duke Blue Eyes Deceive Me? Tyler Zeller

[EarlJam]

I just watched the "Courage" video from Duke Blue Planet. Great stuff. But it's the first time I've seen the now infamous Zeller tip in for Duke close up. Um, that looks like a clear case of goal tending to me but I know the refs reviewed it, right? And gave Duke two points?

What am I missing here? The shot was a three-pointer right?

To me, it looks like the ball is clearly coming down, above the rim's cylinder. Am I wrong? A serious question because if the refs reviewed it, well, they must have gotten the call right? Right? Seriously. Am I missing a rule on goal tending here?

-EarlJam

[captmojo]

I thought the shot was short and Zeller made contact below the level of the rim. Maybe I should watch it again.

[IowaDevil]

I liked the two points no matter who got what right and/or wrong! They were particularly sweet since Zeller made them! Bet he's having nightmares over that!

[EarlJam]

I thought the shot was short and Zeller made contact below the level of the rim. Maybe I should watch it again.

Definitely DO go back and look at the shot from the video "Courage." What you suggested HAS to be it. He definitely made contact above the rim but I think it must have been short. You just can't tell on that particular camera angle.

I'd be interested to see what you think after watching it.

I know it's a moot point anyway, but still.

-EarlJam

[captmojo]

After a slo-mo watch, there was nearly a foul of the shooter. The defender's reaching probably caused a change of the release and the ball's flight takes a line toward the left of the target and a little short. Zeller does make contact above the level of the rim.
I'm left to assume that a whistle for goaltending no-call was strictly the judgement of the Zebras, who most likely determined that the shot was so far off that it had no chance and was fair game for anyone to grab by the time it got close.

I also conclude that what resulted was God's will. I'll take it.