UConn men’s head basketball coach Dan Hurley joins JJ and Tommy to discuss winning back-to-back NCAA national championships, coaching influences, his basketball family legacy, intangible recruit characteristics, UConn offense inspiration, and more. Analysis on Lakers vs. Nuggets matchup and the importance of role players in playoffs. Insights on coaching evolution, strategic formations, college decisions, and shaping young players. Plus, recruitment impact and podcast recommendations.
Utilizing non-shooters strategically in offensive plays maximizes spacing and creates advantages.
Defensive strategies influenced by mentors focus on rebounding and disruptive play to control possessions.
Holistic coaching styles, emphasizing life lessons and personal growth, can have a transformative impact on players' lives.
Deep dives
Influences in Offensive Systems
The offensive system employed by the team showcases layers of movement and actions designed to exploit defenses. Influences for this system include studying concepts from high school coaching experiences to adapting to fit personnel at different levels. The approach involves a vocabulary that players understand, emphasizing real actions over fluff to maintain optimal spacing and execution.
Utilizing Non-Shooters as Screeners
The utilization of non-shooters in space as screeners forms a critical aspect of creating offensive advantages. By setting up plays to target these non-shooters within the offensive actions, such as skip passes and high splits, the system maximizes spacing and forces defenses to make tough decisions. This strategic use of non-shooters contributes significantly to cracking the spacing code and enhancing offensive flow.
Defining Coaching Influences
Coaching influences like Bob Hurley Sr. and P.J. Carlesimo have shaped defensive strategies around rebounding and defensive transition efficiency. Insights from these mentors, including sending all players to the glass and the strategic assault on offensive rebounds, have proven effective in disrupting opponents and controlling possessions. Additionally, guidance from prominent coaches like Coach K has provided valuable lessons in leadership and adaptive coaching styles.
Building a Holistic Coaching Approach
The podcast episode delves into the transformative impact of a coach named Blaney on the speaker's life. Coach Blaney's approach went beyond basketball skills, focusing on the player's overall well-being. He emphasized life lessons, faith, relationships, mental health, and academic performance. The speaker highlights how Coach Blaney's holistic coaching style helped him navigate personal struggles and develop into a better person, ultimately leading him to meet his wife.
Cultivating a Championship Culture
The episode discusses the importance of cultivating the right culture within a team or organization. It emphasizes the significance of bringing in the right people who align with the team's values and aspirations. The speaker reflects on the impact of having serious individuals who prioritize personal growth and teamwork. This focus on attracting dedicated individuals contributes to building a championship culture and fostering trust and respect among team members.
This week we are extremely excited to welcome UConn men’s head basketball coach Dan Hurley to the show! JJ and Tommy open the show breaking down what LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Lakers need to do to in order to upset Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and the Denver Nuggets in the 2-7 matchup in the first round. Then, Hurley joins to share what he’s learned from winning back-to-back NCAA national championships, who some of his biggest coaching influences are, and the legacy basketball family he grew up in with his dad, Bob Hurley (Hall of Fame coach) and Bobby Hurley (former Duke point guard, lottery pick, and ASU head coach). Hurley also shares what intangible characteristics he looks for in recruits, the teams and leagues his UConn offense is inspired by, and so much more. Let’s go!
