It's All About Building Relationships

For Head Coach Brad Stevens, it's all about building relationships with players and other program supporters. I knew the first time I heard about Brad Stevens and his coaching philosophies, that we had a lot in common. The article below speaks highly about Coach Stevens and his relationships that he is building with his players and staff members. Like me, he is young and lacks head coaching experience, but he cares for his players, has a desire to build on his basketball IQ, is organized and is passionate for teaching the game of basketball.

Newest Basketball Coach Gives Fresh Insight
By Maggie Cannon Dawgnet Contributing Writer http://www.dawgnetnews.com/archive/080318/4822.html

Butler University’s newest head basketball coach is inspiring students and continuing the team’s winning record this year. Brad Stevens, who graduated from DePauw University in 1999, said that he doesn’t plan to make any structural changes because of the successful formula, and that he has a unique relationship with the team since he played not too long ago. “I remember the ups and downs,” Stevens said. “I know how it is with a high level of course work.” He said that he is close with everyone on the team and has their best interests at heart. Stevens said, “There are times when they’re not happy with me, but we recognize that we want to achieve a common goal.” Stevens, who said his family, faith and close friends influence him the most, admitted that his own experiences as a college basketball player have influenced the way he coaches. “I didn’t play for one person that didn’t affect me in some way this year, and I try to utilize that with our own team,” he said. “I do watch a ton of basketball to get ideas.” Stevens said that he decided to coach full time because he liked being a part of a team and wanted to get a chance to compete at an academic institution, and that Butler was his best option to learn. “It was different than (what) I’d been a part of, and it had some of the best coaches in the country,” he said. He said that his favorite part of coaching is being with the players every day and the relationships he has with them. Matthew Graves, an assistant coach who joined the staff in 2000, said that the players feel comfortable coming to him just to talk about anything from job interviews, how to get better in the game, their struggles or just for comfort. “Either way, his age helps because of his ability to relate a little better,” Graves said. He said that the biggest thing Stevens had going for him was that he’d been involved at Butler for so long, and hiring him showed confidence in his abilities. “He’s doing a great job,” Graves said. “He balances what needs to be done and living in the moment.” He said that Butler’s record speaks for itself, and that after hiring Stevens they’ve seen the same teamwork, playing hard and academics. The team had a 3.1 GPA last semester. “He’s passionate, hard-working and analytical, he analyzes statistics and sets up goals and game plans,” Graves said. He said that some of the best times he’s had with Stevens have been out on the road talking about basketball. “We share values, we’re close in age, he has a son that’s two and I have two daughters, ” Graves said. “We’re going through some of the same things off the court as well.” Ben Slaton, a junior on the team, said he thinks Stevens’s son Brady is awesome. “He brings him around and we like to play with him,” Slaton said. “We know his family and go to his house. We’re all pretty close.” He said that Stevens is always in his office trying to make the team better. “He’s having a fun time,” Slaton said, “and I enjoy playing for him.” He said that Stevens is more approachable than typical coaches and that it’s easier to talk to him. “You listen to what he says and respect him,” he said. “You try to learn. He knows the game really well. He has a high basketball IQ.” Slaton said that the team doesn’t think about Stevens’s age. “The fact that he’s younger means he relates to us better, it’s helpful,” he said. He said that Stevens doesn’t let the pressure of his job get to him. “He’s always looking at the next game,” Slaton said. Slaton said that Stevens was the reason he decided to come to Butler. “He pushes me to improve,” he said. “He was my individual coach the first two years. I got to know him better and I enjoyed that.” Stevens also recruited Grant Leiendecker, a sophomore on the team, who said he has a good relationship with him. Leiendecker said that Stevens pays attention to detail and gets them prepared for the next game. “He’s a smart guy,” he said. “It seems like he’s always working and looking forward to the next game.” He said that Stevens knows there is a time for fun and a time to be serious. “He’s a pretty serious guy, and when it comes down to the game he gets down to business,” Leiendecker said. He said that Stevens is like a boss, but he has a good relationship with everyone. “He inspires me to improve my game every day,” Leiendecker said, “to be the best person and player I can be.” Avery Jukes, a sophomore on the team, said he was excited about Stevens becoming head coach even though he didn’t know his coaching style. “I was excited that it wasn’t someone outside of the organization,” Jukes said. “I didn’t want someone else to come.” Jukes said that he likes the way Stevens coaches. “Practices are geared toward defense, other coaches are geared toward offense,” he said. He said that Stevens has helped him grow up a little bit, and that he teaches the team how to be better people. “He’s inspired me just to be a better person,” Jukes said. “He taught me about honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty, teamwork and unselfishness. He’s coaching really well and doing a good job.” “Focus on today,” Stevens said. “Just worry about today and do the best job you can.”