Designated rebounders

I have heard several unsatisfactory explanations for why the NCAA breaks out rebounding records before and after 1973. One reason is that that was when the NCAA went into three divisions, and therefore records before that time were partially against sub-par opposition. But if that is true, why only have the break-out for rebounding? Why not for other stats?

Another reason I have heard is that it was because of the 3-point shot, but that is totally bogus, since the 3-point shot did not start until 1980.

The most likely explanation I have read (and I have not been able to find it again) is that about 1973 there was a significant change in philosophy among coaches as to how the game was to be played. Before 1973 teams had what might be called "designated rebounders." Wilt and Russell, etc., took care of the boards, and other players left it to them and took care of other things (like releasing for the fast break). I read a quote from Oscar Robertson once that went something like this: "When I was in college if a power forward averaged eight rebounds a game, he sat on the bench. Today he is all-conference."

Be all that as it may, I think with our current roster, there is something to be said for that philosophy. Our starting front line (Monyyong, Johnson, Coupet) currently average 22.8 boards per game. That is about 61% of our team average, and that is just those three individual players, not counting any others who may have played those positions this season.

Of course, there will always be incidental rebounds collected by the two guard positions, but if a team takes the attitude that they expect the big guys to take care of business on the boards, instead of adopting the "team rebounding" concept we see frequently today, then the guards are left free to release for fast breaks. People are always wanting to "make basketball more exciting." It looks to me like this would be one way to do it - logically.