Coach Bill Self took a major step toward greatness when he decided to use the box in 1 defense to shut down Stephen Curry late in the game. Kansas did not let Curry catch the ball as the other players played a zone. Curry could not get an open look and Kansas was able to extend their lead slightly. Though he did not stick with this defense at the end of the game, it still gave Kansas the needed adjustment at key times. Too many teams get so locked into what they do (aka Washington State) that they fear changing defenses. My motto is don't let the other team do what it wants to do. Changing defenses does many things during a basketball game:
It changes tempo
It takes away a hot shooter
It can save you some fouls
It can get you some steals
It can throw the offense off rhythm
It can take away an inside presence
Kansas changed defense at the right time and made Davidson do things they were not use to doing during the course of the game. Basketball coaches need to be more flexible when the game calls for it. Kudos to Bill Self a new member of the Coach's Penthouse.
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