The secret is to have eight great players and four others who will cheer like crazy

The secret is to have eight great players and four others who will cheer like crazy

Jerry Tarkanian, the legendary basketball coach known for his success at the collegiate level, famously said, "The secret is to have eight great players and four others who will cheer like crazy." This quote encapsulates Tarkanian's philosophy on team dynamics and the importance of having a strong bench to support the starting lineup.

Tarkanian's coaching style was characterized by his ability to recruit top talent and develop players to reach their full potential. He understood the value of having a deep roster of skilled players who could contribute on the court, but he also recognized the importance of having a supportive bench that could provide energy and enthusiasm from the sidelines.

In Tarkanian's view, having eight great players on the court was essential for success. These players were the ones who could make the big plays, score the crucial points, and lead the team to victory. However, Tarkanian also understood that basketball is a team sport, and the contributions of the entire roster were necessary for success.

The four players on the bench who were tasked with cheering like crazy may not have been the stars of the team, but their role was just as important. Their energy and enthusiasm could lift the spirits of the starting lineup, motivate their teammates, and create a positive atmosphere that could propel the team to victory. Tarkanian believed that every player, regardless of their role on the team, had a part to play in the team's success.

Tarkanian's coaching philosophy proved to be successful throughout his career. He led his teams to numerous conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances, and he won a national championship with the UNLV Runnin' Rebels in 1990. His ability to recruit and develop talented players, as well as his emphasis on team unity and support, set him apart as one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history.