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Just A Word About Coach Mack
By
Jim Skeldon,
3/22/2010
Photo by Bob Stevens |
Xavier University left for the NCAA Tournament last Tuesday. They left searching for a few wins and a new identity. Their head coach never had been in that position as a head coach taking his new team to the prestigious national tournament. After all, many big name schools didn’t get in this year, like North Carolina, Cincinnati Connecticut and Illinois. But Coach Chris Mack's Xavier University squad was as fortunate as many XU teams that came before him. They were awarded a sixth seed and they were given a daunting challenge to face a Big Ten team. Their challenge would be Minnesota, who is coached by Tubby Smith a legendary coach who has nearly as many trips to the NCAA tourney as Coach Mack had regular season wins on his resume.
If he and the team were scared, they didn’t show it. He coached like a veteran as the Muskies leveled Minnesota and the highly experienced Coach Tubby Smith by a score of 65-64. Along the way some people even favored XU’s opposition. It didn’t matter.
Mack schooled his squad on knowing the games are won between the lines not in the arena of public opinion. Winning his first NCAA game would be a big accomplishment for any coach. But Chris Mack wasn’t satisfied. He also didn’t take the credit he stated that the kids in the program are the ones who got it done!
Coach Mack acted like he has been there before. He knew he would need to keep a very level head as his next challenge would be directed at the Big East powerhouse Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh was also sporting a 25-8 identical record like XU. They were ranked in the national top ten polls through a large part of the year. This would be possibly the toughest team Xavier would experience until they would play into regional finals if they would be so fortunate!
Pittsburgh was all that X had expected. But they out-fought the bigger more powerful program and won by three as the Muskies prevailed 71-68 over the Panthers.
Xavier, a young team, grew up through the year and the rookie head coach Chris Mack has them peaking at the right time. It really is evident more so now than throughout the season the Chris Mack and his staff are doing a very nice job. The cohesion is starting to manifest itself.
The coach has stamped an identity on the team as they now are a Sweet 16 team. A Sweet 16 team that shares a record or commonality with Michigan States basketball program along with another legendary Coach Tom Izzo. That is, that only two teams in the country have made the Sweet 16 for the last three years in a row - Michigan State and little old Xavier. That is pretty good company.
The two wins definitely gives this first year head coach some identity for his team and his coaching abilities. But, equally as impressive as the wins was Mack's handling of the press after the game. When the press questioned Macks players about being a mid major team he told them he was offended by the question. Then he confidently told him about the virtues of the Xavier program and all that it offers its players. He continued by saying that XU doesn’t take a back seat to anyone.
Further he relayed the fact that X and Michigan State are the only teams to have three straight Sweet 16’s on their resumes the past three years. He diplomatically put him in his place with grace and dignity. While Chris may be a new head coach, and at 40 years old one of the youngest in the tourney, he displayed the tactfulness of a seasoned coach.
Now it is time to focus on the rematch with Kansas State. They too have a talent pool to be dealt with that will give you another great challenge. But it is that time of the year and Xavier is for real. They have already proven it. We can feel good that we know Coach Mack will do his part and have them ready to face the 29-7 Kansas State squad.
Chris Mack, congratulations for a job well done to date. So far you have more than satisfied at least one big XU fan. You have done it with class - keep it up.
You and your staff and players represent Xavier well. You are doing it the “XAVIER WAY”. I know, that now, you have gained some identity along with that team of yours.
I know you are still thirsty. Hope you quench your thirst after a double shot of Xavier wins next weekend. Here is hoping you and the team the best and good luck!
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