I've seen that Coach John McLendon inspired many players and coaches. That deserves investigation. The New York Times profiled Coach McLendon here. General Ray Odierno described critical success dimensions: competence, commitment, and character. McLendon was known for his fundamental teaching skills, composure, and strategic expertise.
He helped pave the way for successful generations of African-American coaches like John Thompson, Nolan Richardson, Jon Chaney, Tubby Smith, and others.
Tennessee State won three consecutive NAIA titles, as they were disallowed in the NCAA at that time.
Philosophy: Long before John Wooden, Coach McLendon believed that "basketball is a game meant to be played fast." His teams flourished with superior conditioning, transition offense, and pressure defense. His team ran three miles daily before the season and the tournament. At Kansas he studied under his adviser, basketball's founder, Dr. James Naismith.
He believed in Naismith's advice, to always be on the attack. "The game should be played from baseline to baseline." His teams looked for "numbers" and wanted a shot every eight seconds.
But he also recognized that success followed character. "McLendon believed that basketball was to be used as a tool to help develop discipline and character."
In 1944, his team played a team from Duke Medical School (with many former college players) in a non-sanctioned (and closed gym) contest, winning 88-44. The players then played an integrated game and spent hours socializing. This was not publicized until 1996!
Video: Big House & Coach Mac. "But John had quick eyes. He saw everything that was going on around him, which is necessary in a basketball player. The best thing John had going for him was his mind. He had one of the best-organized basketball minds I have ever seen. He was able to motivate his players to do just about anything possible with a basketball."
"One of the most remarkable people I've ever been around." - Larry Brown
Impact: Coach McLendon revolutionized the game into an uptempo sport. He was the first black professional basketball coach and the first black coach of a US Men's Olympic basketball team. In addition to paving the way for other African-American coaches, he sent numerous players into professional basketball.
