Herald blurb on Coach L's adjustments

[Notsince1985]

This is what good coaching looks like: Because Jim Larranaga’s team was struggling playing man to man defense, he decided in the past couple of weeks to switch to a matchup zone, an approach he hadn’t used much in his coaching career.

So he asked former Pittsburgh coach Ralph Willard and former Syracuse assistant Bernie Fine to come to South Florida to visit with his staff about the nuances of playing that defense.

Larranaga implemented it, and the change has had immediate results. Miami held No. 2 Syracuse to 44 points and 36.2 percent shooting in a five-point loss, then held North Carolina to 30.8 percent shooting in a 63-57 win.

The UNC game marked the first time Larranaga had been part of a game when a matchup zone was used the entire game. Overall, UM ranks 28th in the country in points allowed per possession.

Despite a very limited roster without much depth, UM (9-6, 1-2) has been very competitive in three ACC games, with FloridaState visiting Wednesday.

Larranaga also credits Garrius Adams overcoming rust and a big contribution from forward Erik Swoope.

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/#storylink=cpy

 

[mirvin88]

Sounds like he could learn to coach the football team before Golden

 

[numbers]

Helluva a coach.

 

[nystateofmind]

I wish this guy was 10 years younger. Such a great coach.

 

[Kirijax]

I wish this guy was 10 years younger. Such a great coach.

I think the same thing. Wish we could have gotten him 10 years ago. A lot of things would have been different. We have him maybe 4 or 5 more years?

 

[CTCANE]

Larry Brown is in his 70's and still going strong. No reason why Coach L couldnt too. One thing I am sure is that he is never going to leave for another job. He will retire as Miami's coach.

 

[nystateofmind]

I wish this guy was 10 years younger. Such a great coach.

I think the same thing. Wish we could have gotten him 10 years ago. A lot of things would have been different. We have him maybe 4 or 5 more years?

I think a bit longer. 6-7 years.

 

[cubin10]

Followed him for years, his team talent notwithstanding always competes and plays hard. He is the real deal and the U is very fortunate to have him, he is a teacher of the game, leader and connects with his players.