Basketball Podcast with Lindy LaRock

Introduction

• Guest: Lindy LaRock, UNLV Head Coach
• Achievements:
  • 2023 Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year (2nd time in 3 seasons)
  • Guided UNLV Lady Rebels to a record 31 wins in 2022-23 season
  • Consecutive NCAA championships appearances, first since 1989-1991
  • Finished 2022-23 with Division One's third highest winning percentage (91.2%)
  • Maintained a 24-game winning streak against conference foes
  • 23-game home-winning streak (Division One's second longest)
  • 72-19 coaching record, 8th best all-time by winning percentage for Division One coaches after three seasons

Coaching Philosophy & Insights

Expectations and Success

• High expectations from the start
• Success attributed to support from the university
• Belief in oneself is crucial for coaching and transferring that to players

Learning from Experience

• Former player and assistant coach at Stanford
• Learned the importance of preparation and work ethic
• Preparation and high expectations are key elements taken from previous coaching experiences

Influences

• Significant influence from Sherry Cole, focusing on teaching and communication

Offensive Philosophy

Shooting and Scoring

• Set records for three-pointers made and attempted
• High free throw percentage
• Emphasis on scoring
• Freedom given to players in shooting

Emphasis on the Paint

• Play through post players
• Focus on paint touches, drawing defense in, and kicking out for threes
• Transition offense prioritizes guards running hard to corners

Offense Structure

• Continuity offense with freedom within structure
• Two-man game focus
• Adjustments and adaptability are key

Passing

• Huge emphasis on passing as a fundamental skill
• Practice includes both dry and defended passing drills
• Passing is prioritized daily

Defensive Philosophy

Defensive Approach

• Focus on taking away primary options of opponents
• Scouting report-driven defense
• Rebound emphasis to enable transition

Key Metrics

• Top 25 rankings in various offensive categories
• Emphasis on efficient scoring, transitioning quickly, and strong rebounding

Development and Growth

Player Development

• Passing academy for improving skills
• Use of film for teaching and improving basketball IQ

Resilience and Adaptability

• Freedom to make decisions critical for developing good passers
• Cultivating a mindset where breaking structure to make plays is positive

Conclusion

• Program's success is attributed to a philosophy that values offense, disciplined defense, structured freedom, and continuous improvement