#7 Curtain of distraction
Arizona State has taken this art to a whole new level. Their infamous Curtain of Distraction adds an element of anticipation to their antics, and often what pops out is distracting enough to merit a second glance.
It has been claimed that the free throw discrepancy is stark when the curtain is deployed. In one sample collection in the first half Pac 12 teams shot 80% from the line, and that number dropped to 62% in the second half.
Granted, fatigue has a role to play here. Also, free throws get progressively difficult in situations. That being said, there is no denying that when you see an old lady pop out and smack a bear with her walking stick, it makes for an effective distraction.
A cowboy riding a man dressed as a cow, a shirtless dude gyrating in a Lucha Libre mask, Elvis reincarnated, these are regular sights at ASU. Perhaps their most effective and high-profile move was bringing out an Olympian to support their cause.
It was a surprise, to say the least when the curtain unveiled Michael Phelps against Oregon State. And when the Olympian ripped off his tearaway warm up gear and yelled in nothing but his swimming costume and his numerous medals, it was a sight to behold. Oregon State’s Stephen Thompson Jr missed both his freebies.
The New York Times has estimated that prior to the curtain, visiting teams would miss about 28-32 percent of their free throws. In the first season when the curtain was instated, that number rose to 40 percent.
