From backyard shoots to Olympic glory: The return of the granny free throw!

  • Canyon Barry, son of NBA legend Rick Barry, is bringing the granny free throw back to the Olympics.
  • Rick Barry was a 90% free throw shooter, known for his unorthodox underhand technique.
  • Canyon initially resisted using the granny shot but later embraced it, achieving an 88% free throw rate in college.
  • Canyon Barry now plays for the U.S. men’s national 3×3 basketball team at the Paris Olympics.
  • The 3×3 format is fast-paced and physically demanding, differing from traditional basketball.

At the Paris Olympics, basketball fans will witness a unique sight: Canyon Barry, son of NBA legend Rick Barry, using the granny free throw technique that his father popularized. Rick Barry, known for his remarkable 90% free throw shooting, used this unconventional underhand style during his career, but it faded from the game as players shied away from its quirky reputation. Despite its effectiveness, few players dared to adopt the granny shot, fearing embarrassment. However, Canyon Barry, who initially resisted the style due to the pressure of being Rick’s son, eventually embraced it before his senior year of high school. He honed the technique, achieving an impressive 88% free throw rate during his college career at Florida, even setting a school record with 42 consecutive successful free throws. Now, as a member of the U.S. men’s national 3×3 basketball team, Canyon is ready to showcase his skills on the Olympic stage. The 3×3 format is fast-paced and physically demanding, offering a stark contrast to traditional basketball. Yet, one thing remains constant: the free-throw line distance. When fouled, Canyon confidently steps up to the line, demonstrating the granny free throw that has been passed down from one of basketball’s greatest innovators.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about the granny free throw technique in basketball, its history, and how it is being used by Canyon Barry, son of Rick Barry. It includes relevant details about their family connection and Canyon’s performance in college and international games. The article also offers insights from a senior adviser to the team. However, it could have included more information on the 3×3 basketball format and its rules for better understanding.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides an interesting and unique perspective on basketball free throw techniques, focusing on the underhanded ‘granny’ shot made popular by Rick Barry and now used by his son Canyon Barry. It explores the history of the shot and its effectiveness in a different form of basketball. However, it lacks broader implications or analysis beyond the specific context of the sport.
Public Companies: L3Harris Technologies (LHX)
Key People: Rick Barry (NBA Legend), Canyon Barry (Player, Team USA Men’s 3×3 Basketball), Fran Fraschilla (Senior Adviser to Team USA Men’s 3×3 Basketball)


Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the granny free throw shooting technique in basketball and its revival through Canyon Barry, son of NBA legend Rick Barry. It does not pertain to financial topics nor does it impact financial markets or companies.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: The article discusses basketball and the unique free throw technique of Canyon Barry, with no mention of any extreme events.·

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