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Message: [QUOTE="msf22b, post: 1991767, member: 656"] Interesting theory Joe: I agree that he's a better coach in this era But I would add other elements: In the show today he spoke about the difference in recruits and recruiting these days. He's managed to adjust his style (as has CD as per Sue) to the changes in society w/o lowering his basic standards. I think his other long-time rivals have been less successful in this regard. Winning, of course, helps in this regard but then the argument become chicken or the egg, which is nearly unanswerable. But what impresses me most, is his ability to adjust his schemes to the personnel he has on hand and to effectively teach fundamental technique in a manner even superior to his previous high standards. He's always insisted on defense with your feet, switching, and that help quickly arrives to confront penetration. But w/o a dominant physical presence inside that approach has limitations. But, he's managed to largely disguise that shortcoming; first with speed, and second by improving the shot-altering technique of his three forwards...and with switches that are crisper than I can ever remember.... also in motivating Lou to extend her natural ability to include aggressive help play. And to improve the laggards... Look at Saniya, previously a defensive liability...He's transformed her into an adequate UConn-type defender and she may end up even better than that...All of the above the product of dedicated instruction by CD and him and his increasingly by his skilled assistants (one or more who may soon be tempted to a prestigious head coaching gig). I don't want to go on but have to mention one offensive aspect noted by ESPN...the no-dribble transition play. UConn kids have been doing that for years; bigs were regularly praised for their ability to get down the court for easy buckets...With a no-true-center offense and 3 speedy forward types, the transition game has a new and devastating look that has (perhaps) less to do with the speed of just the guards and very much to do with the overall team quickness and conditioning of the entire five-some. Five quick-witted, athletic and superbly conditioned and trained practitioners in the art of transition can put the fear of god and cut the heart out of most (all?) opposition. Reminds me the of the Boston Celtics pre-Russell...Cousy, Sharman and Easy Ed. Now that was a transition game. Had the effect of destroying the will of many a team; including my beloved Knicks. [/QUOTE]

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