Brad Underwood Wants to Bring Defensive Tenactity Back to OSU

Like I said in my list of possible coaches for OSU, there’s a lot to like about Brad Underwood. Maybe even more than I originally imagined.

Underwood talked with okstate.com recently and laid out his philosophy.

“It all starts on the defensive side for us,” said Underwood. “It’s aggressive, hard-nosed, tough man-to-man defense. You win games with offense, but you win championships with defense and rebounding. Those are old-school beliefs that still ring true today.”

That’s not just talk either. Stephen F. Austin was No. 21 in the country in defensive efficiency in 2016 and has ranked in the top 10 in the country every year he’s been there in turnover percentage on defense. They have been nasty to deal with as Bob Huggins recently found out in the first round.

“They did what they were supposed to do,” said Huggins. “Their play showed how focused and prepared they were, and we just didn’t take it serious. That’s what happens in this tournament when you don’t take people serious. They just scouted well and soaked in what the coaching staff was giving.”

Underwood went on about his offense/defense looks.

“We’re going to try to be extremely consistent in our efforts every single day,” said Underwood. “From an offensive standpoint, we’ve always been a team that scores around 79 to 80 points per game. We’re capable of playing very fast, but we’re an execution-based and efficient team. A year ago we led the country in assists per game, and this year we were second. I think that plays into being a well-rounded basketball team. I’m very big on selfless basketball, and that shapes our philosophy on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.”

I love this. It’s one thing to preach it but Underwood has lived it by improving SFA in defensive efficiency in each of his last two years at the helm after dropping off in the first year. Combine all that with a rocking GIA and, well … that could be special.

Also, can we get the Defense/Discipline shorts (™ Eddie) back? That would be sweet.