I love Rick Barnes. He is not The best college basketball coach in the country, but he is certainly one of the most honest, most demanding, and, I’m happy to say, most quotable. Barnes is especially honest after losses or, as in the case of Saturday’s game, a disappointing win. There have been some good quotes after Texas’ nine victories but Barnes really let loose following the unconvincing fifteen point home victory over Texas State on Saturday afternoon.
From his post-game quotes, via TexasSports.com:
On staying in man-to-man defense and challenging his players to get better:
And from Monday’s Q and A with the media, via Mark Rosner’s Statesman piece:
Coach Barnes simply tells it like he sees it. He doesn’t mince words, isn’t afraid of upsetting anyone’s feelings, and constantly presses his players to improve their weaknesses. Not only that, but the players who are most ready to contribute see the floor. And when they do see action, they are expected to execute. In just about every game, a Longhorn is pulled off the court just seconds or minutes after entering because they didn’t execute what was asked of them.
Accountability: another reason why I love Texas basketball.
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