Bill Self: At Home in the Phog

First, there's no question that Bill Self is a terrific basketball coach, a dedicated family man, and earned his success. I was disappointed that a book about a top coach gives so little insight into his basketball philosophies. About as much as he shares is to say we don't redo our game plan for everyone, we tweak it. This great coach apparently willingly shares his thoughts, terminology, and plays at clinics, but didn't write this book with that purpose.Coach Self acknowledges a fundamental teaching responsibility, enthusiasm, the ability to make adjustments, his favoring the high-low motion offense, and his belief in transition and in playing aggressive defense. But he doesn't talk a lot of specifics. He discusses in depth the relationships with his coaches, assistant coaches, and athletic directors and you get a strong sense of his ambition very early.Here's a coach who goes from Oral Roberts, to Tulsa, to Illinois, and KU within a ten-year period, a walking, breathing turnaround specialist, who leaves players and programs usually about as quickly as a new job is offered. He earned that right and took bigger, better jobs along the way. As loyal as he is to his family and to his assistants, he often leaves with a carpetbagger feeling left behind.If you're a die-hard Jayhawk fan, then you've probably already read this book. If you love basketball and are looking for coaching insights, this probably isn't the best book for you. If you want the behind-the-scenes politics of coaching, and some of the dirt behind the comings and goings of major basketball coaches, then "At Home in the Phog" gives you that.I wanted to find out what made Coach Self and his programs successful, basketball successful. Hard work, talented players, prepared and dedicated coaching all made a big difference. But "Phog" doesn't address core basketball issues as much as I would have liked. I didn't dislike the book. I just like books by Coach Wooden, Knight, Smith, Dick Bennett, Krzyzewski, Roy Williams, Rose, and others better.

Great book.

This was a great read. I am so impressed with Bill Self. It appears he truly his teams, a real class act. We are sooooo glad you are here at KU. Looking forward to 10 more years with you. Rock ChalkThank you, Bill!!

I would recommend this book to all who like basketball whether they are a KU fan or not, very well written.

Yes

Seen from the perspective of a KU basketball fan, this is a great read. It especially illuminates the strength of personal relationship as a means of becoming known and advanced. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Great Book! I checked it out from the library and loved it so much I had to buy a copy.

Great