Oh, he sure as hell knows offense. It’s been his life. You think hs hack coaches know the game better than Pike and Knight ? Absurd. Roster dictates system. Sure, even middle school teams run various sets because lack of talent forces that. He has players do what they are best at. Look at our team. Do you want Sommerville, Derkack, Grant or Davis in a 5 player motion LOL ? That would be an abomination.
Shelby, so much respect for you! But I have to agree to disagree. The offense RU runs is so simplistic, easy enough to guard, and has been the same for years regardless of personnel. Having talented kids run a system isn’t always to cover kids that can’t play. Some systems require a lot of skill to even execute. A weak link would kill the system but any talent can thrive in it. Also structure and systems produce wins.
I’ve spent a half a lifetime teaching kids to not stand still for more than 2-3 Mississippi, watching RU makes me pull the little hair I have left out of my head. And while I would agree Pike and Knight know a ton about offense in their brains, maybe it’s their inability to Put it into a a grand plan, or their inability to Be versed in enough teaching methods to relay it to their players so they’ll execute the vision. It is possible he has that skill for teaching defense but not offense. Defense is built on athleticism, aggression and organized chaos. Offense is more skill and finesse. It’s a different mindset.
Also beg to differ about your HS hack comment. Most hs coaches couldn’t hold a candle to Pike or Knights minds, I’m an example of one who certainly couldn’t. However I’ve known a few who id bet are just as sharp. I’ve witnessed their knowledge and teaching styles. Some were good college players, some pros, some trained under great coaches themselves (Hurley Sr for example). One of those bright minds taught me something once. “Attitude and effort beats talent alone everytime”. While that doesn’t display their offensive knowledge it does really apply to this years RU team and some of their head scratching losses.
Anyway. I’m not looking to Argue, and I respect your thoughts, just don’t put Pike and Knight too high on a coaching pedestal. Offensively they’ve proven they don’t deserve it. And please don’t sell short all HS coaches just because they didn’t coach in a power five Conf. There’s a few very good coaches out there at the hs level.
