"A positively-focused, cohesive team makes all the difference when it comes to competing in any sport," said Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. "Team chemistry is crucial in college ball as it can make or break a team and make the impossible seem possible for underdog teams. George Mason's entrance into the Final Four last year is an excellent example of how great team unity will often lead to great success. Team Unity in College Hoops 2K7 allows gamers to focus on the important factors of fundamental team basketball to maximize winning potential."
College basketball is based on a tight team-dynamic style of play with a strong emphasis on team tactics on both offense and defense. Team chemistry is a significant determinant in how college sports teams play. The better a team gels, the better they play overall; the worse the overall chemistry is for the team, the greater the likelihood of miscues and missteps when the pressure is on. In College Hoops 2K7, Team Unity is measured to help gamers gauge and predict team performance, while allowing for teams who may not be as athletically talented to take on powerhouse teams using smart plays and synergy.
Four key factors are taken into consideration when calculating a Team Unity rating-lineup consistency, individual player confidence, overall team awareness and a strong team leader. Low Team Unity can result in bad rotational defense, sloppy screen setting, and missed passes, among a myriad of other game time consequences.
Additionally, Team Unity plays a vital role in Legacy Mode, as it impacts a team's performance over the course of one or several seasons. Also new to Legacy Mode this year is HoopCast, which offers a more interactive way for gamers to simulate their games by giving them more control over their team during the simulation process. Greg Gumbel and Clark Kellogg (and their trademark colorful personalities) make a triumphant return to College Hoops 2K7, hosting College Hoops Tonight, a brand-new studio show discussing topics such as Games of the Week, Player of the Week, Coach on the Hot Seat, and Big Game Preview. Legacy Mode also boasts tournament bracketology, thousands of NCAA and school records, the post-season NIT, and so much more.
College Hoops 2K7, featuring J.J. Redick, former star player for the Duke University Blue Devils on the cover, will be available November 21 for the Xbox 360 and Xbox, in December for the PPS2 and later this winter for the PS3.