J.J. wrote: ↑Thu Apr 08, 2021 6:48 pm
Now, I don't think those disadvantages and small budget make it hard to win here - that's were we might disagree. A good coach can come to New Britain and compete for NEC Championships in Year 1. This is not a "no win" situation like jobs at Fordham, LaSalle, or New Hampshire.
I've never suggested someone CAN'T win here. But I am on record as saying it's more difficult to win here than many other programs.
And my primary point has been that, because of that, they can't just hire someone who will be traditional/conservative/old-school, whatever you want to call it. CCSU absolutely needs someone who can perform well AT THE MARGINS in recruiting, development, and in-game tactics.
If you have top-tier budget and facilities within a league, it's easier to go get the best players and put a competitive team on the floor. But in this situation you have to be able to do less with more. That's why I've been so heavy on analytics/progressive tactics. Who is going to utilize analytics to put together the best lineups and design game plans around getting high percentage shots (and limiting those shots on the defensive end), as well as for developmental purposes? Who is going to use "unconventional tactics" that have gained steam in recent years (in the NBA, college, and Europe). What about progressive play designs (offense and defense) or unique styles? Who can find diamonds in the rough who will fit their style of play, whether their from a prep school, high school, JUCO, D2, D3?
It sounds like Tom Pincince is not at all focused on this stuff, but I hope he's at least CONSIDERING it.
I just don't believe you can bring in someone who "coaches they way they've always coached" and win here. Straight-up man-to-man defense like they did in 1995, mid-range jumpers, go find the "best" players they can find and have them take 500 jump shots every day, blanket sitting guys with 2 fouls in the 1st half, using post-ups as a significant part of your offense, over helping on defense. You can do that stuff at LIU and the Mount and generally be .500 with a shot to win a title every few years because they're able to recruit at a higher level. You just cannot do it at CCSU with a tiny budget and out-dated facilities.
You're right, J.J.- a good coach can absolutely come here and compete for NEC Championships. And imo, a "good" coach is someone who is progressive and learning new things every day with a commitment and willingness to listen to smart people of all backgrounds.
Go find these prospective coaches on Twitter and see who they're following. You'll see some following a high number of high-level hoops sites and/or people. And you'll find some not following any of them. You'll find some going on podcasts and talking hoops at a high level. And you'll find some who aren't. To me, that's telling. If I were interviewing, I'd 100% ask coaches if they are familiar with Hoop Vision or Shot Quality or Slapping Glass or Chris Oliver, or dozens of other sites/people out there. And if they aren't, I'd thank them for coming in and cross them off my list.
