FAQ - Guide for NCAA March Madness 2003

<+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++>
 |                                   |
 |NCAA March Madness 2003 FAQ        |
 |For the PlayStation 2              |
 |By: W. Dixon ([email protected])  |
 |Version 1.1                        |
 |5/4/2003                           |
 |                                   |
<+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++>

+=================+
|Table of Contents| 
+=================+

1.	Legal Information
2.	Version History
3.	Introduction
4.	Controls
5.	EA Sports Freestyle Control
6.	The Plays
7.	The Main Menu
8.	Game Modes
9.	Walkthrough/Helpful Hints
10.	Giving Credit Where It's Due

/========================\
+| 1. Legal Information |+
\========================/

This FAQ is the sole property of W. Dixon.  This FAQ is not to be used 
for any selfish ambitions (money, glory, etc.).  This FAQ will only be 
found on GameFAQs (www.gamefaqs.com) and the IGN Network (www.ign.com), 
since many other sites can't update when I update.  So do not bother 
asking me if you can host this FAQ.

/======================\
+| 2. Version History |+
\======================/

Version 1.1 5/4/2003

Just started this FAQ.

/===================\
+| 3. Introduction |+
\===================/

Welcome to W. Dixon's FAQ on NCAA March Madness 2003.  This is my first 
time writing a FAQ for not just a sports game, but a game for the 
mighty PlayStation 2.  This is more of a FAQ that will help people get 
into the game.  There is no real strategy for NCAA MM.  Go out, play 
hard, and win.  So let's get things started, shall we?

/===============\
+| 4. Controls |+
\===============/

UNIVERSAL CONTROLS

Move player = Left Analog Stick (hereafter known as L.A.S.)
Turbo       = R1 Button
Pause       = Start Button


BASIC OFFENSIVE CONTROLS

These are the basics to the game:

Shoot                       = Circle Button
Pump Fake                   = Tap Circle Button
Pass	                      = X Button
Crossover                   = Square Button
Spin                        = Triangle Button
Back down Defender          = L1 Button
Alley-Oop                   = R2 Button
Direct Pass                 = L2 and X, Triangle, Circle, or Square
Dive                        = R2 Button (when ball is loose)
Timeout                     = Select Button
Offensive Plays             = 4 D-Pad directions
EA Sports Freestyle Control = Right Analog Stick (hereafter known as 
R.A.S.)


ADVANCED OFFENSIVE CONTROLS

Hold the L1 Button to perform these moves:

Jump Hook/Slam Dunk   = L.A.S. towards basket and Circle
Fade Away             = L.A.S. away from basket and Circle
Drop Step             = L.A.S. side step and Circle
Spin Move             = L.A.S. in direction and release L1
Finger Roll/Slam Dunk = Drop step, L.A.S. towards basket and Circle 
Button


PLAYER LOCKED CONTROLS

These controls only apply if you lock your player:

Move player         = L.A.S.
Make computer shoot = Circle Button
Call for Pass       = X Button
Post Up             = L1 and L.A.S.


THE FREE THROWS

These controls apply when you are at the line.  Line up the basketball 
cursor in the middle of the 2 bars and press the Circle or X Button.


DEFENSIVE CONTROLS

Switch players = X Button
Steal          = Square Button
Take Charge    = Circle or R2 Button
Block/Rebound  = Triangle Button
Faceup         = L1 Button
Direct Player  = L2 and X, Triangle, Square, or Circle (switches 
player)
Switch to Defender Closest to Basket = Tap L2 Button
Intentional Foul                     = Select Button
Defensive Plays                      = D-Pad (double tap for 4 extra 
plays)
EA Sports Freestyle Control          = Right Analog Stick

/==================================\
+| 5. EA Sports Freestyle Control |+
\==================================/

The R.A.S. initiates the Freestyle Control.  This little feature allows 
you to perform good moves like jukes and switching the ball from one 
hand to another.

On offense, moving the R.A.S. in any direction, while running, causes 
you to perform a move.

When on offense and you stand in place, moving the R.A.S. in a 
direction causes the ball to move to another hand (left or right), a 
jab step (up), or a back step (down).

When on defense, pressing the R.A.S. either left or right allows you to 
try and steal the ball from the opponent with that respective hand.

Pressing down on the R.A.S. allows you to aggressively defend your 
opponent.

Pressing up on the R.A.S. allows you to raise your arms up, allowing 
you to block the shot.  You can also move with the L.A.S. at the same 
time.

There are other special moves out there that will enable you to 
dominate your opposition.  Explore this handy feature to truly master 
the court.

/================\
+| 6. The Plays |+
\================/

In NCAA MM, you are able to call 4 quick offensive plays and 8 quick 
defensive plays.

OFFENSIVE QUICK PLAYS

Isolation: This is the play that causes your entire team to move to one 
side of the court, allowing you to work alone against your opposite 
guard.  Press down on the D-pad to call for Isolation.

Post Up: This is the play that causes one of your teammates to get into 
the low post and perform moves like the finger roll.  Tap the D-pad 
down to call for the Post Up.

Pick and Roll: This is the classical play that allows you to call for a 
pick from a teammate on your defender.  This teammate will then roll 
toward the basket.  So now, you can either take it to the hole or give 
it to your roller.  Press right on the D-Pad to call for the Pick and 
Roll.

3 Point Play: The wonderful play that allows 3 of your teammates to set 
up a man for a 3 pointer.  Press left on the D-pad to call for the 3 
Point Play.


DEFENSIVE QUICK PLAYS

Man to Man: Just as it says, allows you to cover your opponents one to 
one.  Press up on the D-pad to switch between the two Man to Man zones.  
These plays are ideal for outside shooting, but weak against isolation 
and post up plays.

School Specific Full Court Zone: This play puts pressure on the 
opposition once the ball is inbound.  Press the D-pad left to switch 
between the 2 types of zone presses.  These plays are good for 
turnovers, but ineffective if the offense breaks the zone.

School Specific Half Court Zone: This play allows your teammates to 
cover a particular area of the court, not a player.  Press the D-pad 
right to switch between the 2 types of zone presses.  This play is 
strong against isolation and post ups, but weak against outside 
shooting.

Double Teams/Trapping: These plays allow you to bring extra coverage 
against a player.  Press the D-pad down to switch between the double 
team and trapping plays.

/====================\
+| 7. The Main Menu |+
\====================/

At the main menu screen, there are 5 options to select from: Play Now, 
Game Modes, Rosters Manager, Options, and EA Sports Extras.

Play Now allows you to play against your school's rival.  Entering Play 
Now allows you to play one exhibition game against either your rival or 
another school.  Select Play Now and you will see the School Select 
Screen.

1.	Move the D-pad to select the Home or Away team.
2.	Move the D-pad to select the schools.
3.	Pressing Square chooses your rival.
4.	Pressing Circle allows you to lock a player.
5.	Press L1 or R1 to select the next school from the alphabetic list.
6.	Press L2 or R2 to select random schools.
7.	Press Start to move on to the Quick Settings.
8.	Choose your settings from the Quick Settings screen, like camera 
view, half length, and difficulty.
9.	Press Start when satisfied.


Game Modes allow you to go deeper in to the game than Play Now.  More 
on this later.


Roster Manager allows you to edit a player, or, for the hell of it, a 
school.
To edit a player:

1.	Press L1 or R1 to go through the schools.
2.	Press Square to roster original rosters.
3.	Press Triangle to cancel edits.
4.	Once you found the player you want to customize, press Circle.
5.	Enter the Player Information, like name, position, his hand, year, 
etc.
6.	Adjust the player's ratings in the categories given to you.
7.	Adjust the player's appearance in the categories given to you.
8.	To swap players, highlight one with X and another with X and they 
will swap.

To create a school:

1.	Enter the School Information, like name, nickname, abbreviation, 
etc.
2.	Edit the Team Information, like the logo, the coach, and type of 
stadium.
3.	Edit the Uniform, like choosing jersey styles and colors.


The Options menu allows you to adjust game settings, like difficulty, 
audio options, and the view of the court during the game.  You can also 
save and load your games and settings here.


The EA Sports Extras is where you view the credits and things of that 
nature.

/=================\
+| 8. Game Modes |+
\=================/

There are 4 other game modes that allow you to enjoy the beauty of 
college basketball.  These modes are Single Season, Dynasty Mode, the 
NCAA Tournament, and the EA Sports Maui Invitational.

SINGLE SEASON

In Single Season, your main objective is to lead your school to the 
Final Four.

1.	Select Single Season from the Game Modes menu.
2.	Cycle through the conferences in the NCAA with L1 or R1.
3.	Press the D-pad up or down to select your team from your desired 
conference.
4.	Press Circle to add a Custom team.
5.	Fill in your non-conference schedule.  Press the Circle button to 
switch to the opponent's screen.
6.	Move the D-pad up or down to select teams and press X to select your 
desired opponent.
7.	Press Start to generate your schedule.

The Single Season Main Menu is where you can check out who your next 
opponent is, your rankings in terms of RPI and the EA Sports Top 25, 
and your conference standings.  You also can see which teams are 
playoff bound, what awards you win, adjust game options, manage your 
roster, change your coaching priorities, and of course, play your next 
game.

Once you run through your entire schedule, you will enter your 
conference's tournament.  Win this tournament to determine who's the 
best in your conference.

Once you finish your conference's tournament, it's on to the tournament 
of tournaments, the NCAA Tournament.  Fight your way past the best 
teams in the country and see if you can make it to the Final Four.

Once all user-controlled teams have been eliminated, you can view the 
results of the entire tournament, or, just exit to the Main Menu.


DYNASTY MODE

In Dynasty Mode, your goal is to bring your team up from a good team to 
a team of legendary status.  Experience the joy of going through a 
maximum of 20 seasons of March Madness.

1.	Select Dynasty Mode from the Game Modes Main Menu and select your 
team.
2.	Continue like you would the Single Season mode.

In Dynasty Mode, injuries play a key factor in the game.  Watch out for 
injuries and substitute well if you want to become the ultimate team.

Continue through the 2 tournaments like in Single Season mode.  Once 
you have become victorious, or defeated, in the Tournament play, 
continue to the Off Season.

In the Off Season, you have much to do.  You have to know who's leaving 
your team due to graduating or the NBA draft, take part in the EA 
Sports Roundball Classic, recruit players, cut and redshirt players, 
and proceed to the next season.

When your players leave for the Draft or graduation, remember what 
positions you need depth in.

Play the EA Sports Roundball Classic to play with the 20 best high 
school seniors in the country.  Or, you could skip this game and begin 
recruiting.

Recruiting takes place over the span of 5 weeks.  During this time, you 
must make contact with potential players and make them offers to get 
them to come to your school.

1.	Highlight a recruit using the X Button.
2.	Press Circle to view his statistics.
3.	Choose which of the types of contacts you will make to the potential 
recruit.
4.	You are given 100 points to use in your recruiting process.
5.	Players whose names are in red are interested in attending your 
school.  Players you have contacted are in green.
6.	To see who is coming to your school, press Square and view the 
returning and prospective players.
7.	Once you have chosen your recruits, select Continue at the bottom of 
the contact screen to continue recruiting.
8.	Press Start to move on to the next week.
9.	Repeat the process for the next 5 weeks.

Once you have whom you want, or could get, it's time to begin cutting 
and redshirt potential players.

1.	To redshirt a player, press the Circle Button.  To reactivate, press 
the Circle Button again.  A redshirted player cannot play during the 
season, remember that.
2.	To cut a player, highlight him and press Square.
3.	Reorder your roster the same way you would substitute players.
4.	Press Start to continue.

Once you have finally put your team together, select Start New Season 
to continue building your dynasty.


NCAA TOURNAMENT

Why go through all the hassle of a season when you could hop right into 
the NCAA Tournament?

1.	Choose NCAA Tournament from the Game Mode Main Menu.
2.	Select Tournament Setup and press X to setup your tournament.
3.	Press the Circle Button to randomly arrange the tournament.
4.	Press Square to make schools user-controlled.
5.	Press Start once you have everything the way you want.

Once you have won, or lost, the Tournament, you can exit back to the 
Main Menu.


EA SPORTS MAUI INVITATIONAL

When you're the best, you deserve to play the best.  Accept the 
invitation to the EA Sports Maui Invitational and prove what you are 
worth.

1.	Select EA Sports Maui Invitational form the Game Modes Main Menu.
2.	Highlight Tournament Setup and press the X button.
3.	Use the D-pad to highlight teams and press the X Button to have them 
user-controlled.
4.	Press Start to begin the Tournament.
5.	To change the invitees, press the L1 or R1 buttons.
6.	To simulate a user-controlled game, press Circle.


/================================\
+| 9. Walkthrough/Helpful Hints |+
\================================/

You will go through 12 non-conference games (13 if you choose to play 
the EA Sports All Stars).  Once you play trough these games, you will 
then begin to face the schools in your conference.  As each game goes 
on, your chances of making the NCAA Tournament rises and falls 
alongside your progress and the progress of other teams.

Keep your eye on the EA Sports Top 25.  The top 25 programs in the 
country will be listed here.  Play hard enough, and you will make the 
list.

Also watch out for the RPI and Conference standings.  These will play a 
vital role when you want that top seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Most games have a steady pace.  You want to play hard and drive hard 
into each and every game that you enter.  Play each game like it is 
your last.

Many of the teams you will play are difficult.  They will drain every 3 
pointer they shoot most of the time.  Don't get frustrated or try to 
match them shot for shot.  If you do that, you will begin to lose 
composure and eventually lose the game.

Just remember that basketball is a team game.  Give it to your 
teammates and allow them to shine.

Listen to the Coach's Council before each game.  Helpful hints from 
real life coaches are the difference between you walking away 
victorious, or shaking your head in defeat.

Also remember that the game is more realistic if you take a loss, 
especially in Dynasty Mode.  Your record doesn't always play a factor 
in the game you know.

Avoid intentionally fouling someone.  You don't want to have your 
opponent in the bonus, or the double bonus for that matter.

3 pointers are hard to drain in this game.  Take your time and let it 
flow.

Driving down the court and dunking or doing lay ups is much more 
effective than constantly trying to shoot 3 pointers.

And just remember; it's a game ladies and gentlemen.  Root on a real 
NCAA team if you're truly passionate about college basketball.

/====================================\
+| 10. Giving Credit Where It's Due |+
\====================================/

First off, I would like to thank CJayC of GameFAQs for making such a 
wonderful site.

Next, EA Sports for making good games for the past decade.

And finally, to you, the reader.  Without you, there is no me.

This FAQ is protected under International Law.

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|                  END OF NCAA MARCH MADNESS 2003 FAQ                 |
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