Not all athletes are the same. Some need hard coaches, some need mothers. Some of the former can’t grow up and end up changing schools.
In closed practices many of the coaches yell at the kids; I saw one woman’s coach using language that would make a sailor proud! The kids were motivated and improved. It works.
If the kids are going to compete in sports they are competing with people who want to send them home as losers. They are competing with countries who want to beat the US on the court, in spirit and in their heads. Knight prepared them for all venues.
My point is, don’t think that Knight is unique in his intensity. He may not have the best public image, but he gets the best from his players if they are tough kids.
Certainly not. McCain comes to mind immediately.
And I really like Bob Knight. One of the last non-feminized men to roam the States.