I grew up in a time when guys like Knight were still allowed to exist. In all honesty I never did particularly well with such types, just wasn't tough enough, but most guys elevated their play as long as expectations were consistent. I have to say I had one coach and he'd just say "Try your best" or something like that. He certainly didn't get mine or anyone else's best effort.
This film gives a glimpse into Bobby Knight who at heart was a moody guy, possibly what we would consider bipolar today. He was more of a drill sergeant than a coach, albeit one that followed NCAA rules to the letter. Practices were tough, but generally not early in the morning nor did he usually double them up unless he was pissed off or trying to send a message. Moody as he was he recognized beat up players wouldn't play too well. He preferred maximum effort in a short practice and everyone could go home on time.
As far as getting pissed off it was an act- most of the time. But if they kept losing or even worse failing to get winnable rebounds or set screens then after the game and in the next practices they would suffer for it, no question. It shows him getting on a player called Thomas which I think is an example of a player he didn't understand. Privately he said "The problem with Thomas is when you call him a wimp (saltier language than that) rather than play harder he starts believing he is one." So the point was he was trying to toughen them up through language, tough practices and even practicing with them at this point in his career (he was already a bit overweight, but nothing like the actor that portrays him).
He would toss students out of practice, tell them not to show up to the next practice and then be furious if they didn't show. A player like Alford was mostly smart enough to recognize what he wanted, but some weren't. Over time, word got out on Bobby Knight and players in the late 80s and especially 90s no longer wanted to play for him. Oh, a ton still did, but they weren't the best players anymore. It was unfortunate that Indiana was too cowardly to reign him in. I think his work at Texas Tech in the 2000s proves he could coach modern players and keep himself under control- of course he still had fire and some choice words, but he mostly kept things in the acceptable region. You can watch Knight School on youtube to get a picture of how he really was or read "A Season on the Brink" but this film is a fine representation for someone with some casual interest in Knight. It leaves out important details like how he'd be up all night after a win game planning the next team, but there's only so much time in a short film. I think he was given too much slack for most of his career, but most athletes would be better team players under a tough coach like Knight than other coaches. He didn't produce many NBA players in part due to his commitment to following NCAA rules, but possibly also because his system didn't allow for individuals to blossom.
This film gives a glimpse into Bobby Knight who at heart was a moody guy, possibly what we would consider bipolar today. He was more of a drill sergeant than a coach, albeit one that followed NCAA rules to the letter. Practices were tough, but generally not early in the morning nor did he usually double them up unless he was pissed off or trying to send a message. Moody as he was he recognized beat up players wouldn't play too well. He preferred maximum effort in a short practice and everyone could go home on time.
As far as getting pissed off it was an act- most of the time. But if they kept losing or even worse failing to get winnable rebounds or set screens then after the game and in the next practices they would suffer for it, no question. It shows him getting on a player called Thomas which I think is an example of a player he didn't understand. Privately he said "The problem with Thomas is when you call him a wimp (saltier language than that) rather than play harder he starts believing he is one." So the point was he was trying to toughen them up through language, tough practices and even practicing with them at this point in his career (he was already a bit overweight, but nothing like the actor that portrays him).
He would toss students out of practice, tell them not to show up to the next practice and then be furious if they didn't show. A player like Alford was mostly smart enough to recognize what he wanted, but some weren't. Over time, word got out on Bobby Knight and players in the late 80s and especially 90s no longer wanted to play for him. Oh, a ton still did, but they weren't the best players anymore. It was unfortunate that Indiana was too cowardly to reign him in. I think his work at Texas Tech in the 2000s proves he could coach modern players and keep himself under control- of course he still had fire and some choice words, but he mostly kept things in the acceptable region. You can watch Knight School on youtube to get a picture of how he really was or read "A Season on the Brink" but this film is a fine representation for someone with some casual interest in Knight. It leaves out important details like how he'd be up all night after a win game planning the next team, but there's only so much time in a short film. I think he was given too much slack for most of his career, but most athletes would be better team players under a tough coach like Knight than other coaches. He didn't produce many NBA players in part due to his commitment to following NCAA rules, but possibly also because his system didn't allow for individuals to blossom.