Has anyone considered Tech's top assistant, Ulric Maligi? . . . He could bring defense to Ames . . .
So, I've been thinking about this part of the equation a fair amount lately.
I would say I was in a different camp prior to that. I typically prefer watching Orr/Hoiberg type offense-focused basketball, and I think recruiting is crucial for both that style and short term success. So, I was leaning towards the TJ / rehire Hoiberg or someone in that mold that would bring in good recruits and play a free flowing, offense-focused style of ball.
However, after hearing the description of Craig Smith, I think the defensive, rebounding and toughness mindset may be more important. If you look at the teams that have had the most sustainable success in college basketball, they typically are very good at defense. While they weren't as fun to watch style-wise as the Orr/Hoiberg teams, the Floyd and Eustachy teams (at least after the system was in place) were pretty darn successful. Heck, if you look at the best Kenyucky teams, while most people focus on the scoring of folks like John Wall, they played great defense and rebounded well.
Ultimately, solid defensive and rebounding teams don't have the ups and downs year over year that offense-focused teams do because you don't have to be a + athlete to contribute to them. So, when good recruits leave earlier than anticipated or transfer, the junior who only knows how to play great defense and rebound (and take good, unforced shots) can fill a hole easier than in a system where that same player has to be able to break down a defender, create and make shots. Similarly, when a transfer comes into a culture where everyone else is working their butts off on defense and rebounding, it's easier to get them to change their mindset. Sure, you'll lose a few studs (like Tech and WV do almost every year) along the way because they don't want to be pushed that hard, but it is still sustainable once you've got the culture in place.
So, I guess I'm saying I'm now in the Craig Smith, Devries, Maligi or somebody like them group. While I'm not looking forward to it and hope that it's not necessary, I'm now willing to potentially have 2 more down years as the culture is established so that we can sustain success over time.
Should I have Gunner create another coaching poll (Offense/Recruiter versus Defense/Culture)?