Havoc is his basketball philosophy by choice. His coaching mentors are Purnell, Pitino, and Billy Donovan. He comes from a pressing coaching tree. On top of that, the idea that he would just have these long, elite athletes laying around VCU when he showed up is crazy when you look height/talent/athleticism differences between the different tiers of division one. I know I'm a huge Shaka fan, and I've had the fortune of seeing him and his assistants teach havoc multiple times in a clinic setting. These guys are all in on this philosophy and their programs and practices are built around it.
Now, who's excited about those Wilkes comments?
I totally agree...To me, "havoc" is more than just a defensive philosophy. Havoc is trying to control the game and assert his team's will; it favors a certain type of athlete (long, lean, springy, aggressive); and havoc leans toward needing (and getting) a deeper team. And, wow, it looks like fun, it is fun...How's that for buy-in, on both the way in and throughout?
I happen to favor havoc. That said, especially with 3-point shooters improving their accuracy and range as the game evolves, defense needs to be extended, longer and harder. On a certain level, defense is all about making the offense uncomfortable, whether contesting every shot or forcing left-handed passes out of traps.
Finally, whether havoc or other, imposing one's will, via any style of play, is extremely important. I'd say essential, lest I get nit-picked. And, yes, I am disappointed that the Illini's trademark style is...Unknown.
