"Any idiot with a whistle can coach." - Anonymous
Kara Lawson took a lot of abuse from people with questionable basketball pedigrees. Lawson responded with examples of character and competence.
What has she actually done?
- Collegiate Excellence: Played for Pat Summitt at the University of Tennessee, becoming a two-time All-American and helping the Lady Vols reach three Final Fours
- Special Achievement: One of only three people ever to achieve an NCAA Final Four appearance, a WNBA Championship, and an Olympic Gold Medal.
- Olympic Success: Won three gold medals representing the United States: as a player in 2008 (Beijing) and 2012 (London), and as head coach of the U.S. 3x3 team in 2020 (Tokyo).
- WNBA Career: Won a championship with the Sacramento Monarchs in 2005, was named an All-Star in 2007
- Character: Earned the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award twice.
- Coaching Legacy: As head coach of Duke University (since 2020), built program to prominence with 124–50 records, four straight 20-win seasons, and ACC Tournament titles.
- First female assistant coach in NBA history (Boston Celtics)
- FIBA World Cup Champion Head Coach 2026
Offensive Program
Horns sets - post entry with corner cut
- post entry into DHO if corner cut denied
Cutting - 45 cuts when ball into the low post
- "dunker spot cuts" into lane or opposite block
- if shooters are "top-locked" look for back cuts
PnR - shooters weak side with ball side PnR making shooters available if defenders help
Horns with clear and back cut from opposite elbow
BLOB screen and variation of rescreening
Key Coaching Principles:
1. It never gets easier. You "handle hard better."
2. Own your confidence. "Don't leave home without it."
3. Your responsibility is always giving your best.
Like all excellent coaches, she prioritizes relationships, values, and standards.
