Does Cal hide some of his pieces and his players skills until later in the season? But that’s not what I really mean at all…
I think Cal wants players to mainly focus on their weaknesses things during the slog of the middle of the season more than other coaches. He’ll take an L if it gives players a chance to work on the things he thinks are holding them back; once they’ve focused on those deficiencies during practice and games, he frees everyone up to do their entire thing again, but with the additional work they’ve put in on those problem areas.
I think this could be why Cal’s players transition and succeed in the NBA so often…he doesn’t just say, “go do what you’re already good at;” he pushes them to work at what they aren’t good at. Other coaches largely just exploit the talents kids already have, which is good enough to be good enough in college, but will ultimately hold them back. There’s only so much that can be achieved in one season, but the players can take those habits into the future with them. Also would be why Cal struggles with kids who only ever have a limited skillset.
I think Cal wants players to mainly focus on their weaknesses things during the slog of the middle of the season more than other coaches. He’ll take an L if it gives players a chance to work on the things he thinks are holding them back; once they’ve focused on those deficiencies during practice and games, he frees everyone up to do their entire thing again, but with the additional work they’ve put in on those problem areas.
I think this could be why Cal’s players transition and succeed in the NBA so often…he doesn’t just say, “go do what you’re already good at;” he pushes them to work at what they aren’t good at. Other coaches largely just exploit the talents kids already have, which is good enough to be good enough in college, but will ultimately hold them back. There’s only so much that can be achieved in one season, but the players can take those habits into the future with them. Also would be why Cal struggles with kids who only ever have a limited skillset.