What an amazing year, and what an evolution in an already HOF coach.
Years past were always about Self's Hi/Lo, and his reticence to allow the three. As with most successful coaches, they have their systems, and they require their players to fit those systems. There is obviously some adjustment, but the system prevails.
The past two years Self has been forced by personnel to move away from the hi/lo, and embrace a guard oriented team that relies on the three to an extent never permitted by Self before.
I saw more adaptation, adjustment, creativity and patience by Self last year, and particularly this year, than ever before. He's the master of out-of-timeout plays, but now he's a master of second half adjustments, and game planning for a specific opponent. I think he's an even better coach now having been forced to adapt the past two years.
Svi guarding Bagley, Newman being pushed to succeed (and being allowed to fail as part of his learning process), "let it fly" acceptance of shooting threes. And a clear adjustment at half time to the zone, that had us coming out on fire.
A thoroughly exhilarating tournament so far, and such fun watching players AND coaches growing and evolving.
Rock Chalk.
