Diary Series: Pat Doherty, Asst. Coach - Lafayette

I am extremely fortunate to have been a member of the Lafayette basketball family for over 10 years now; first as a student-athlete, then as an alumnus & fan, and for the past 2+ years as an assistant coach.  I consider myself lucky for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that I’ve been able to play for and work with Coach Fran O’Hanlon, who is widely regarded as one of the best “player-development” coaches in college basketball.  In his 16 years as the head coach at Lafayette (and all of the other Patriot League coaches who have been around can certainly attest to this), it seems that each year there is always a Leopard or two who takes a huge step in his development, and these players inevitably expand their roles in our program from reserves & role players to team leaders & all-league caliber players.

Interestingly, Coach O’s daily message to our staff and players is much less about how the “coaches” will develop the “players” and more so about how the players can and should develop “themselves”.  Holding oneself accountable to coaches and teammates is important, but self-accountability is of paramount importance since a long-term goal for each player is to develop and realize goals he sets for himself.  During a recent practice, Coach O asked one of our freshmen what he would be if he did everything, but only everything, that the coaching staff asked of him.  While the player searched his thoughts for an adequate response, Coach O answered his own question – “A slave.”  Fully developing one’s potential requires more than taking orders and following directions – it requires autonomy, a relentless desire to improve, and a very specific mindset that’s captured in one of Coach O’s other favorite quotes, “If it is to be, it’s up to me.”

The 2011-2012 season, much like the 16 seasons before it, will provide ample opportunities for our players to improve and help us become a better team.  Our younger players (in this season especially) will be counted on for big contributions and continued, rapid development over the next few months, and the sooner they receive Coach O’s message about their own role in that process, the better off we’ll be.

Thank you to Chris and all of the contributors to CCT Diary Series – I’ve really enjoyed reading up on what everybody is doing and thinking about in college coaching world!

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