Was Rupp an offensive genius?

[sportspm]

It was before my time and probably before most peoples time that post here but looking at past stats and all the high scoring games makes me wonder if Rupp was known more for his offense or defense? No doubt he was way ahead of his time. I know he wrote some books but I haven’t read any of them. Just wondering if anyone on here has any insight or good stores to tell since it’s a slow time for basketball news

 

[jeffky]

He was considered a innovator of the game in the forties with his fast break style of basketball some believe he patterned after a local hs coach at Clark County letcher Norton

 

[chroix]

Yes.

 

[JoeBeeHall]

Magic 8 ball says "YES".

 

[University-6]

Rupp never had a player or team shoot 40% from 3. He was useless.

 

[MdWIldcat55]

He was an innovator, especially in increasing the pace of the offense. He was not a "genius." It's basketball, not understanding the relationship between time and space. There are no 'geniuses' when it comes to getting a ball through a hoop more than your opponent.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

Yes, and UK was the 1st CB dynasty winning four titles before anyone else in 11 seasons:
‘48, ‘49, ‘51 and ‘58.

 

[bnewt]

without a doubt
he changed the game both offensively & defensively with the 131 zone

 

[BlueBomb]

Rupp never had a player or team shoot 40% from 3. He was useless.

I heard he never let his teams shoot threes. Thought I'd look it up. It's actually true. They never shot a three. Not one.
Genius, my ass!

 

[berniecarbo]

Rupp was friends with some of the top pro coaches of the day and would talk basketball with them, so yes he was on the cutting edge of basketball in the day. He was getting top talent and wanted a faster pace to help talent show their skills. He was one of if not the first to play a national schedule. He did this to allow his players to play in areas where there was pro ball, giving them more chance to be noticed. Prior to Rupp, most college ball was local. By traveling to other parts of the country, it lead to highlighting differences in officiating in different areas, creating a problem for the NCAA. This didn't make Rupp very well liked by the NCAA.

 

[m080470]

If not the inventor, he was the popularizer of the fast break, which is a 1000000x greater accolade to have than inventing some BS like the "four corners". The great Red Auerbach once said about Rupp and his teams that he would rather watch a Kentucky basketball practice than any two teams playing a game.