Billy Packer vs. Dick Vitale

[bebanovich]

Originally posted by jbduke
bebanovich,

I apologize for not going back into the thread to find the spelling of your name. I didn't want to go back and risk losing my text. I could have opened a new window and checked, but I didn't consider that, and for that I apologize.

Your points are all fair. You're certainly right that I have not followed Bennett's career closely. I must concede to your expertise in all matters regarding his career. As for Arsenault, I'm guessing he's the coach at Grinnell? Certainly an innovator.

I would not question your decisions on whom to model your own coaching on, because I have no idea what kind of players you have to work with. I certainly hope that I did not indicate that I believe that anybody anywhere could win trying to use the tactics used by those with the best talent.

My point was that it seemed to me--possibly an erroneous perception--that you were faulting the "top" coaches for using systems that can't be effectively utilized with marginal talent. It's clear to me now that such was not your intent, and again, my hat's off to you for your insightful post.

Olive branch received and I won't be whacking anyone with it.

I do think that coaches in the top programs could be more dominant. There seems to be a prevailing wisdom that if you have the athletes you let them go and I don't buy it. I would love to see a special coach convince his top athletes to really work on carving up opponents in the early-season games while they are drubbing people by 30. What might be sacrificed early would pay huge dividends in terms of national championships down the road. If someone does decide to do this, it won't be Boeheim.