Episode 291: Jim Crutchfield, Inside The Mind of Nova Southeastern Head Coach

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Episode 291 • 25th October 2023 • The Basketball Podcast • Chris Oliver

Guest: Jim Crutchfield, Nova Southeastern Head Coach

The 2022-23 was a storybook from start to finish for the Sharks and Crutchfield, as Nova Southeastern became the sixth team in NCAA Division II history to finish as undefeated national champions. Crutchfield's Sharks were dominant throughout the season, leading the nation in points-per-game (102.5) and scoring margin (+25.7). Crutchfield was honored as the Sunshine State Conference, Clarance Gaines, and NABC Coach of the Year.

Crutchfield’s combined record at Nova Southeastern and West Liberty is an amazing 495-82 (.858), which remains the highest career winning percentage in college basketball history among all NCAA coaches, including the likes of Kentucky’s Adolph Rupp (3rd all-time), UCLA’s John Wooden (7th) and Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski (21st) who had spent at least 10 seasons as an NCAA head coach.

Crutchfield is known for his pressing, uptempo style of play. During his tenure, he has led the Sharks to a record of 100-21, two NCAA Elite Eight appearances, two NCAA Regional Championships, a Sunshine State Conference regular season title, and an SSC Conference Tournament Championship.

Prior to his arrival at NSU, Crutchfield spent 13 seasons as the head coach at West Liberty University in Wheeling, West Virginia. During his time at West Liberty, Crutchfield led the Hilltoppers to a 359-61 record, which is the highest career-winning percentage in college basketball history among all NCAA coaches who have spent at least 10 seasons as an NCAA head coach. He also led the Hilltoppers to five NCAA Tournament appearances, including a national championship game appearance in 2015.

Breakdown

1:00 - Introduction

3:00 - Coaching While Playing

6:00 - Specific Outcomes

9:00 - Playing in Transition

13:00 - Absolutes on Defense

14:00 - System on Trapping

17:30 - Opportunistic on Offense

20:30 - Offensive Philosophy

24:00 - Perfect Drills on Defense

25:34 - 26:46 - Hoopsalytics New ADS

28:00 - One Hand Passes