FAQ - Guide for NBA 2K2

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      / @@@@       @@  @@@@@@@@@@@@  @@@@      @@@ / Ver. 1.5
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       NBA 2K2 FAQ for the Playstation 2 Console
       (c)Rueben Amigleo 2002([email protected]) 



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Table of Contents
==================

I. Introduction
II. Revision History
III. Basic Controls
IV. Advanced Controls
V. Free Throws
VI. Modes
VII. Offensive Strategy
        A. Shooting
        B. Crossovers/Spin Moves
        C. Only shoot when you have an open look
        D. Win the battle in the paint
        E. Pick and Roll
        F. Take care of the ball
VIII. Defensive Strategy
        A. Stick with your man
        B. Steal that rock!
        C. Crash the boards
        D. Contest every shot
        E. If your defense is getting torn apart...
        F. Shot blocking
IX. Top 10 Teams
X. Rosters/Ratings
XI. Frequently Asked Questions
XII. Codes/Secrets
XIII. Special Thanks
XIV. Legal Info
XV. Contact Info


================
I. Introduction
================

Hello my fellow basketball fans! This is my FAQ for one of the best basketball 
games available, NBA 2K2. I saw a few requests for a FAQ so I said what the hell. 
In this guide, I will discuss some basic offensive and defensive strategies that 
should help you become a dominant force in the 2k2 universe. 


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II. Revision History
=====================

Version 1.5 (4/6/02) - Added Frequently asked questions, codes/secrets.

Version 1.0 (4/2/02) - Most of FAQ completed, only Rosters, FAQ, and top 10-team 
list remain.


====================
III. Basic Controls
====================

As the title says, these are the basic controls for 2k2.

Offense
X - Pass
Square - Shoot/Rebound/Pump fake
Triangle - Icon Passing
Circle - Crossover/Spin
L1 - Back down defender
L2 - Call for pick
R1 - Turbo
R2 - Pass to player closest to basket
Left analog stick - Control player
Right analog stick - Bring up play call menu
Right analog + x,0,[],triangle - Call play
Start - Pause

Defense
X - Switch defender closest to ball
Square - Block shot/Rebound
Triangle - Switch defender closest to basket
Circle - Steal
L1 - Face up ball-handler/box out
L2 - Call for double team
R1 - Turbo
R2 - Intentional Foul


======================
IV. Advanced Controls
======================

Ok, these are the more advanced controls for those of you that like to add a 
little flash to your game. Master these moves and enjoy the beautiful replays 
they produce.

Advanced Offense

Pump Fake - Simply tap the shoot (square) button. If you're lucky, your defender 
will bite on the fake leaving you an open shot.

Icon Passing - Use this technique to pass to a specific member of your team. 
Pressing triangle will bring up icons above each teammate; press the 
corresponding button to pass to that particular teammate. This is how the icons 
appear:
X - Point Guard       Square - Small Forward
Circle - Shooting Guard    Triangle - Power Forward
R1 - Center

Alley-Oop - This one is pretty easy. If you see that one of your teammates has an 
open path to the hoop, just throw him the rock with either x or R2 and enjoy the 
result.

Hook Shot - Hold L1 to back down opponent. While backing down, press shoot button 
(square) to perform the hook. If you have a good center or power forward, this 
shot is almost unstoppable when close to the hoop.

Fade-away - There are a few different variations on the fade-away shot. 
Basically, all you need to do is point the analog stick in the opposite direction 
of the basket and press the shoot button.

Drop-step - This move is very effective when trying to get around a pesky 
defender. Back your defender down (L1), then press up or down on the left analog 
stick to perform a drop step maneuver.

Spin Move - Hold turbo while moving and press the crossover button (circle).

Running shot/Leaner - To perform a runner just press the analog stick towards the 
basket while you're moving. If a leaner is your style, then all you need to do is 
press the direction you'd like to lean. It would be either up or down.

Advanced Defense

Turbo steal - If you hold the turbo button (L1) and press the steal button 
(circle), you will lunge out with your arm outstretched and go for a steal. The 
lunge covers a lot of ground...if you see an opening, go for it!

Swat block - You'll have to time this right to get it to work. Just hold down 
turbo while moving, go up for the block (square) and instead of just simply 
putting your hand up you'll swat at the ball. Like I said, you have to time this 
just right to pull it off.


===============
V. Free Throws
===============

Now I know how Shaq feels when he steps to the line. Poor guy can't shoot a free 
throw to save his life. Maybe he should read this FAQ, I'd be happy to help the 
big fella out.

Difficulty of free throws varies with each difficulty level and player. 
Basically, you have two green arrows on either side of the basket that you need 
to line up over the hoop. You move each arrow with the analog sticks, the left 
stick moving the left arrow, and yep, you guessed it, the right stick moving the 
right arrow. Once you have both arrows lined up over the hoop, press any shoulder 
button (L1, L2, R1, R2) to release the shot. 

Be careful, you only have a certain amount of time to line up the shot. The time 
decreases as you move up in difficulty.


==========
VI. Modes
==========

Exhibition - Choose any two teams and go at it in pre-season competition.

Practice - Get your ass in the gym and get to work! From here you can perfect 
your timing for releasing shots, run some offensive plays, and even practice 
those pesky free throws.

Season - Do you have what it takes to get through a full 82-game season? Can you 
win enough to make the playoffs? Find out if you belong with the big boys of the 
NBA.

Street - You'd rather play on blacktop? This is the mode for you. 2 on 2, 3 on 3, 
4 on 4 this is the playground at it's finest. You'll be playing at some of the 
most famous street courts in the country...bring your A game if you want to be 
successful here.

Franchise - You want to be the next Jerry West? See if you have what it takes to 
manage a NBA franchise. Trade, sign, and release players in your quest to build 
the next dominant b-ball dynasty
 

========================
VII. Offensive Strategy
========================

Ok...the meat and potatoes, offense. I will just go over the basics to assist you 
in getting some W's.

A. Shooting

Release is everything. Each player has a different point of release for his 
jumpers. I advise you to practice a bit with your team to get a feel for each 
players timing. You generally want to release the shot at the top of the player's 
jump.

B. Cross-over/Spin Moves

Repeat after me...crossovers are my best friends. Yes! They sure are! Each player 
has different crossover abilities. For instance, Kobe Bryant or Allen Iverson 
will dribble the ball between the legs then do a quick spin move. The bigger 
players like Shaq, Mutumbo will do a slow stutter step type move. Needless to 
say, it's really easy to take someone to the rack if you have a quick player on 
your team.

C. Only shoot when you have an open look

It's hard as hell to make a shot when it's contested. Use your screens; get to 
know your offensive sets, the more you know, the better.

D. Win the battle in the paint

Drop the ball down low...let your front line handle their business. If you have a 
powerful PF or C, this should be your bread and butter. Back your defender down, 
shoot a quick hook or drop step around that loser and dunk the ball home. Usually 
if you start getting hot down in the post, the other team will start double-
teaming. This is when the Jason Kidd in you should be coming out! If two men are 
on you, one of your teammates is open...get him the rock!

E. Pick and Roll

Ahh, the play Stockton and Malone made famous. Once mastered, this play will 
almost always lead to a bucket. Be it a three or a dunk. Learn this play! It will 
get you out of plenty sticky situations. 

F. Take care of the ball

Passing is good. Over passing is bad. Make sure you have an open passing lane 
BEFORE you pass the ball. It's not too hard for the other team to jump up and 
snatch the ball from the air. The comp can play good D, especially on the harder 
difficulty settings.


=========================
VIII. Defensive Strategy
=========================

This is easily the most important part of the game. You can have a kick ass 
offensive line-up, but if you can't play any D you're screwed.

A. Stick with your man.

Whenever I'm on defense, I always take control of the defender closest to the 
ball. The computer is pretty good at keeping up with the other offensive players; 
so don't worry too much about them. If you find yourself isolated against a good 
player (Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter) don't be afraid to call for the double team 
(L2). If you do call for the double team, keep your eyes peeled for that open man 
because if you stop the guy you're double-teaming, he'll be looking for the open 
man. Go for the steal if your man is trapped. Watch the screens. If you see the 
opposing player setting a screen for the guy you're guarding, try to get around 
it with out hitting the screen man. There should be enough room to either go 
behind the screen or jump in front. Slamming into the screen is the absolute 
worse thing you can do. Say you get beat by your man and he starts driving to the 
hoop... quickly press triangle. By doing that you'll switch to the person closest 
to the basket and hopefully stop that guy from getting an easy lay-up.

 B. Steal that rock!

The easiest way to get a steal is to jump into the passing lane. If you play your 
man tight, you should be able to see where he wants to pass before he throws the 
ball. Use the turbo steal method mentioned above to jump in there and snatch the 
ball. Another easy way to get the ball is when the opposing player is trying to 
post you up. When the offensive player is backing down your center, simply switch 
to either your pg or sg, sneak up on him and hit the steal button (circle). You 
can also steal the ball easily if you stop an offensive player while he tries to 
pull a crossover on you. If you step in front of him as he tries to drive, he'll 
be stunned for a moment...that's when you smack that ball! Easy money.

C. Crash the boards

If you're playing good defense, expect to get a crap load of rebounds. Always box 
out by pressing L1 when the opponent takes a shot. This will make it harder for 
the opposing players to get offensive boards. Here's another tip; as you jump in 
the air and grab the rebound, tap circle repeatedly to throw your elbows. I've 
injured many people with that move...ahh the memories.

D. Contest every shot

Try your hardest to contest every shot. The probability of making a shot drops 
drastically when you got a hand in someone's face.

E. If your defense is getting torn apart, change the defensive set

If you're running a man-to-man defense, and the other team is constantly driving 
on you, dunking in your face...that's not a very good sign. Change up your set to 
a zone. Playing a zone defense (a 2-3) will cut down on those pesky point guards 
from driving on you left and right. Just remember, with a zone you need to rotate 
with the ball or the other team will rip the zone apart. To change your defensive 
play move the right analog stick and press the corresponding button for the play 
you wish to choose.

F. Shot blocking

Shot blocking is kind of hard in NBA2k2. You have to time your jump perfectly to 
get the block. If you bite on a pump fake, you're pretty much screwed. I only go 
for the block if I have the clear-cut advantage. Like Shaq guarding John Stockton 
or something.


=================
IX. Top 10 Teams
=================

Coming Soon

===================
X. Rosters/Ratings
===================

Coming Soon

===============================
XI. Frequently Asked Questions
===============================

Q: Can I shatter the backboard?
A: No

Q: I recently moved up from Rookie to Pro and I'm getting blown out! What can I 
do?
A: Play better D! Use the zone defense it works wonders. Only take open shots.

Q: Why can't I use my created player in Franchise mode?
A: Good question. I don't know why this option was left out...it was VC go blame 
them.
 

===================
XII. Codes/Secrets
===================

I don't know what the deal is, but VC/Sega have not released many codes for NBA 
2k2. I've tried the same codes that were released for the Dreamcast version, but 
none of those seem to work with the PS2.

Unlock Code menu screen - Go to options, then game play. Hold left on the D-pad 
and right on the right analog stick. Press start, go back to the options menu, 
and the codes option will be selectable. (Credit - HIT of GameFAQs)

Hidden Teams - type MEGASTARS in codes screen to unlock the VC, SEGA, and NBA 2k2 
teams. (Credit - dogslikeit of GameFAQs) 

To have your home crowd hold up balloons while your opponent is at the free throw 
line, simply press the square button before he shoots.


=====================
XIII. Special Thanks
=====================

First off, thanks to Sega Sports and Visual Concepts for making such a great 
game. 

Thanks to CJayC for maintaining & running this awesome site we all know and love 
as GameFAQs.

Thank you, the reader for taking the time to check out this FAQ. 

Most of all, thanks to my boredom. It was you that compelled me to write this, as 
I was bored outta my skull.


================
XIV. Legal Info
================

This guide and everything contained within it is the sole property of Rueben 
Amigleo, author. This document may not be reproduced electronically or manually 
without consent from me. This guide may not be used for any profitable reasons 
whatsoever.

The most recent updates will always be sent to GameFAQs.

Sites authorized to use this document
-------------------------------------
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www.cheatcodes.com
www.911codes.com
www.911cheats.com
www.fastcheater.com
www.25000cheats.com
www.skali.com

Webmasters: if you wish to have this document posted on your site see contact 
info below.


==================
XV. Contact Info
==================

If you feel I've left something out or you'd like to add something to this 
document, feel free to e-mail me at [email protected]. When you do e-mail me, 
make sure you put NBA 2k2 in the subject line otherwise it'll get deleted. Thank 
the damn spammers for that.