I try to get the match-up over to my staff and our youngsters in my own way. I just call it "understanding." One of my most talented teams ended up with a mediocre record because there wasn't enough communication and understanding between all persons concerned.

The understanding that must be considered is between players and coaches. I think with all the broad coverage that is given basketball teams by the media, a lot of jealousies actually exist. If an athlete's performance merits television, radio and newspaper coverage, or any other plaudits, then he deserves it. It is the coach's responsibility to see that this does not interfere with his particular program, ill feelings between the kids, ill feelings between the faculty and staff people on their campus because of all the publicity that is actually given. We have a monumental task to perform in the development of a complete person. Opportunities only come to those who are prepared.

We have a few basic rules that we follow in the match-up. It's not a match-up zone at all. People call it a match-up but what they are, are combination defenses, utilizing in some areas zone principles and man-to-man principles and they have to be abandoned according to the situation that the offense presents.

Launch Match-Up Defense