[손태규의 직설] “This is a world record!”… A ‘great achievement’ achieved by a male and female college basketball coach who have worked together for 40 years.

’40 years. We spent those long years together as a manager and coach. That too at a university’s women’s basketball team. The union between University of Connecticut coach Gino Auriemma and coach Chris Daley is considered the longest-running manager-coach relationship in modern sports.

The sports world is a place where it is difficult for any coach to stay in one place for a long time. The biggest reason is sexual supremacy. How dare you call it ‘the life of Paris’? It is very difficult for a manager and coach to share a fate together for a long time. Although they say they complement each other, it is not easy. So, doesn’t the manager change coaches from time to time?

40 years is considered a world record that no one can surpass at just one university, the Auriemma/Daily men’s and women’s union. However, it is not something that will remain in history just because of the length of time. In 1985, the two applied together to become the head coach at the University of Connecticut. When Auriemma was hired, he offered to coach Daley, who was his rival. Before they arrived, Connecticut was so weak that it only had one season where it won more games than it lost.

However, the two have contributed to the development of women’s basketball for 40 years and are evaluated as setting an example for new sports education and culture. It is also said that he created the ‘gold standard’ for all sports.

■Managers and coaches who created the ‘capital of basketball’

Won the National University Championships 11 times and advanced to the semifinals 23 times. Six undefeated seasons with 30 or more wins. Regional league championship 59 times. Meanwhile, 1,213 wins. We only need to win the next three games to set a college basketball record. The win rate is 88.2%. Ranked 1st in the U.S. among men’s and women’s pros.

In American women’s college basketball, there are 1,300 schools, including 352 in the first division. Only 64 universities can participate in the national championship held every March. In the 42 years since the competition began, most schools’ top goal has been to reach the round of 64, let alone win the championship. Even if we only make it to the round of 16, the school is a festival.

Won 11 such competitions. Thanks to the men’s six championships, the small college town of ‘Stores’ is called the ‘capital of basketball.’ Auriemma was inducted into both the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Daley was the first coach to be inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. The word ‘monumental tower’, which metaphorizes outstanding achievements that will be left behind in future generations, should be used in times like these.

However, in the United States, the focus is not only on grades. More attention is paid to the outstanding management style of the two people. I am deeply interested in the strict basketball culture, which is rare even in the United States, which respects individuality and freedom to the fullest. We study how two people coexist for so long.

The two are good at sports and are trying to raise student-like athletes and human beings. We did not just create a ‘victory culture’ where all you had to do was win, but we also demonstrated that college students who behave well must first become good at sports. To those who asked “Is it possible?” he set an example by creating the best basketball team in American history.

The two did not consider superiors or subordinates. The manager entrusted everything to the coach that he could do better than himself. All rights were given. Auriemma said, “We are partners with equal shares.” Daley was grateful, saying, “The director instilled a sense of ownership in me.” That wise sharing of roles was the driving force behind our 40 years together.

Orimaem’s teaching method is famous for being difficult. Every practice is treated so harshly that it tests the players’ limits. Even players who were ranked number one in high school are not sent to games if they do not practice perfectly.

From the beginning, the two believed that everything depended on ‘details.’ Just as important as detailed basketball skills is the players’ dignity on and off the field. This can be achieved by following ‘detailed rules’. The philosophy is that one becomes a great player when basketball talent and good humanity are combined. Daley was in charge of the training.

■All players follow strict rules that are difficult to imagine.

“You have to tuck in your top not only during games but also during practice. You should not wear long socks that reach near your knees. Do not wear jeans when going out in a group or sportswear during class. When going to a banquet, you must wear a skirt or dress. Using social media and applying fingernail polish is prohibited during the season. Do not use headphones in public places or use cell phones while eating or on buses. There is no name other than the jersey number. “Visible tattoos are also not allowed.”

The player, who had a shoulder tattoo in memory of his deceased younger brother, covered it up with a bandage and competed for four years.

Strict discipline to the point of being overly strict. Korean athletes complaining about internet regulations at the Jincheon Athletes’ Village may say this is nonsense. However, the University of Connecticut has been practicing this without any break for 40 years. I don’t listen to any criticism. American society takes it for granted.

Every year, the best high school players enter school knowing all about strong practice and strict discipline. They go pro and win Olympic gold. A strong candidate to win again this year.

Daly said, “When players are asked for an autograph, I tell them to make eye contact, talk to each other, and then sign. If anyone looks at you, say hello. Because it’s the right thing to do. “We created rules to help players learn important life skills,” he said.

“Daily grew us as women,” said the graduating professional athlete. It taught me how to handle myself, how to communicate with people, and even how to dress. I also played for overseas clubs, but there were no such rules. But I still followed the rules I learned in college. When I first came to Connecticut, I hated the strict system, but by the time I left, I couldn’t imagine living any other way. If I were to give advice to younger people, it would be to just follow it if you want to make life easier. “It will all make sense someday,” he recalled.

In the meantime, Daley turned down the position of director several times. However, he has no intention of taking over as coach when Auriemma, who is 70 years old and is five years older than him, retires. She is solely devoted to the University of Connecticut and loyal to Auriemma.

They are more than just a manager/coach relationship, they are one family. We also spend holidays together. When Auriemma’s wife gave birth to her second daughter, she left her eldest daughter in the care of Daley, who was still single. She is also the godfather of the couple’s son.

The University of Connecticut has a lot going on this month for their 40th season. They plan to invite all the players they taught to celebrate together.

Diana Toraj is a 42-year-old active professional basketball player who has won six Olympic gold medals. Sue Bird, five Olympic gold medalists. Maya Moore, a six-time WNBA All-Star, gave up basketball to save a 50-year prisoner who was serving 22 years in prison, whom she met and fell in love with while doing volunteer work. Swin Cash, who has won two Olympic gold medals and is currently the vice president of the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans. Three Olympic gold medalists and 23-year WNBA Most Valuable Player Brianna Stewart.

The American media said, “Connecticut University’s success is a ‘global phenomenon.’ Inspiring future players. Giving young women motivation to pursue their sports dreams. They broke the glass ceiling and proved that women can excel at the highest level of competition. “It has become an idol symbolizing women’s power and athletic achievements.”

Many managers and coaches leave to seek opportunities elsewhere. Sometimes they break up with each other. They both know that when the time comes, they will leave each other or separately. “Because they are not twins.” But sports history will be recorded. They said the two were like twins.

Taekyu Son, guest columnist
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