After watching the Butler verse Florida NCAA tournament basketball game last night I was amazed by the embrace that Florida head coach Billy Donovan and Butler coach Brad Stevens gave one another after such a close contest. I wondered if it is possible to truly be that friendly with your competition, especially given the close nature of the game. I then began to search the Internet for stories linking the two and found one in the San Jose Mercury Newspaper. The Mercury provided a real story which occurred earlier this season; Brad Stevens who managed to take his small time team to the NCAA final a season ago was in the midst of a three game losing streak and looking for guidance. Who did Stevens turn to? Billy Donovan head coach of the Florida Gators. Donovan must have provided some good insight as both teams had wonderful seasons and met in last night’s “Elite Eight” game.
It is weird to think that months before the game these two men spoke to one another regarding their greatest passion, basketball. I wonder if Donovan heading into last night’s game regretting or wish he had not passed certain knowledge to his opponent. Donovan is a great coach at a major power. Stevens who could have taken almost any job last season after his team’s marvelous run seems to be quite content with his home at Butler. I think it is great that although the chance of one day playing each other, Donovan passed along his insight to another coach as Donovan is quoted as saying, “I've always felt like my responsibility as a coach is to share. If I have experiences that I've gone through, been through, and in some way can help somebody else, I think that's my responsibility."
In a sports environment that has grown so crazy and competitive it is great to see sportsmanship still exists.
Link for Story Attached Below:
http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_17703937
Thanks for sharing this story. I did not see that game so did not observe their friendship. It is nice to know that coaches can be friends even in the moment after a painful loss.
ReplyDeleteDr. Spencer,
ReplyDeleteI think it is amazing the calm and respect each coach displayed for one antoher. I know personally I have not reached a level of maturity yet to be friendly after a loss. I was brought up that if you lose you think about it and ensure that it never happens again and often keep a calm and cool manner was not part of the reaction.
Even today as I continue my journey into the coaching ranks I cannot see myself being more than respectful of a coach who has just proven his teams superiorty.
I think coaches such as these, who at the end of the game are greatful for and respectful to each other sets a great example for the athletes who play for them. I really believe if these types of uplifting stories were discussed more in the media, the culture of sport may see a shift for the better.
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