Coach K refused to utter a negative word the entire tournament. He celebrated the game and talked about the fact that kids today are often unable to enjoy the moment. He kept hitting the same themes in his pressers -- kids, regardless of the pressure/opportunity to turn pro can come together. They can develop as human beings. They can learn teamwork but its different now due to the circumstances. He mentioned adapting and being aware of youth and what these kids are thinking or not thinking. Remember, this is a guy who is almost 70 years old. He used the word brotherhood often. When was the last time you heard that phrase with any real depth behind it?
He praised his opponents and was gracious in victory -- an emotion, a behavior that most mortals are often unable to exhibit in those circumstances because its like they won the lottery and didn't expect it. But he acted like he had been there before while thoroughly enjoying not only his experience but actively seeking out the experience for his players. Teaching, exhorting, challenging but staying positive because today's kids don't know anything about negativity and he knows that. Oh did anyone mention he is part of the Bobby Knight coaching tree. While the General was great, does anyone believe he could have molded this group into champions? That is a coach. A coach you see once or twice in your lifetime who figured out how to succeed when all around him things have changed.
His respect for UNC this year and his teaching of respectfulness towards UNC to Duke students and fans was truly awe inspiring. Naturally my thoughts turned to someone else who coached a long time and won many games while others changed jobs frequently. That guy always said don't hate the other guy -- the harder they play, the better you get. You need competitors.
I'm often astounded that many sports fans cannot grasp greatness in their lifetime. Its like the guy who watched Willie Mays' catch say he was lucky. What are they watching? What you saw with Coach K was history -- a guy who somehow figured out a way to adapt to the times and be successful.
Great on the court. Truly amazing off it.
This post was edited on 4/7 12:24 PM by ApexLion
He praised his opponents and was gracious in victory -- an emotion, a behavior that most mortals are often unable to exhibit in those circumstances because its like they won the lottery and didn't expect it. But he acted like he had been there before while thoroughly enjoying not only his experience but actively seeking out the experience for his players. Teaching, exhorting, challenging but staying positive because today's kids don't know anything about negativity and he knows that. Oh did anyone mention he is part of the Bobby Knight coaching tree. While the General was great, does anyone believe he could have molded this group into champions? That is a coach. A coach you see once or twice in your lifetime who figured out how to succeed when all around him things have changed.
His respect for UNC this year and his teaching of respectfulness towards UNC to Duke students and fans was truly awe inspiring. Naturally my thoughts turned to someone else who coached a long time and won many games while others changed jobs frequently. That guy always said don't hate the other guy -- the harder they play, the better you get. You need competitors.
I'm often astounded that many sports fans cannot grasp greatness in their lifetime. Its like the guy who watched Willie Mays' catch say he was lucky. What are they watching? What you saw with Coach K was history -- a guy who somehow figured out a way to adapt to the times and be successful.
Great on the court. Truly amazing off it.
This post was edited on 4/7 12:24 PM by ApexLion
