CORAL GABLES — As Jim Larrañaga returned to his office Saturday afternoon, he was greeted by friends and fans in the hallways of Watusco Arena, chanting the same mantra given to winners in all sports.
After the University of Miami's 82-74 win over Virginia Tech, he was told, “Good game, good game.”
Mr. Larrañaga responded, “Thank you,” and expressed his gratitude by nodding and shaking hands.
He's lived long enough to know that this was more than just a good match, it was a great finish. He called the first 10 minutes of the first half, in which Miami shot just 2 of 16, “terrible.” “It’s difficult,” he called part of the bigger game.
Whatever Miami finds in the final half of the second half, trailing by 10 points and struggling, they need to bottle it up and do it all through February to get to March, which has been their good friend for the past two years. It is necessary to spread it to
Maybe today will be the day they can move forward in their sluggish season. Maybe something like Saturday has to happen. With a combination of competitive grit and calmness in the face of disaster, these players reflect the unwavering attitude that is their coach's sideline philosophy.
“Train, then trust” is the mantra of Larrañaga's coach and his friend, sports psychologist Bob Rotella. The idea is to train players in practice and believe they can get it right in games, even encouraging them with applause when they make a mistake.
Larrañaga received a lot of applause for much of Saturday.
“Did you see me last?” he said, smiling as he walked down the hallway.
His facade of calm gave way to arm waving and imploring the home crowd to bring the day's excitement. Miami finally put up some defense and not only dribbled but passed against Virginia Tech's defense, finally making it a one-score game. After that, it was a 5 point difference. Next, 3 points.
Then came a sequence that could change the season. Prime-time player Norchad Omie took a Virginia Tech turnover and completed a solo dunk. When Virginia Tech got the ball back, Miami freshman Kishawn George grabbed it and made an easy lay-in for a 66-65 lead that would never be given back.
Instead of being on the brink of 5-6 in the ACC and worrying about NCAA Tournament predicament, suddenly Miami was 6-5 and looking better. If only I could recreate that last moment. If we can learn to pass the ball like we did in the second half and bring the defense that changed the day.
“During the timeout, we used the expression 'we have to disrupt' them,” Larrañaga said. “You can't just protect them on defense. We harassed the dribble, harassed the ball handlers, and drove in front of the post which was killing us for a while.”
This was the first time in recent weeks that Miami was actually without a starting lineup due to a rash of injuries. The problem goes beyond the game. All of the starters practiced together once in 20 practices starting in early December, which affected everything from chemistry to conditioning to overall team morale.
Now, Larrañaga said as he walked down the hallway. “If we can keep everyone there…”
He didn't need to finish that thought. Miami has been an Elite Eight and Final Four team the past two years. There's enough top-end talent to make this NCAA Tournament even more fun. There were five players who scored in double figures on Sunday.
Omie is also very athletic and is the only player on Miami's small team. Just look at his 17 points and 7 rebounds and you can see how essential he is. Much of Miami's power also waned when he left the game in foul trouble.
When asked about Mr. Larrañaga by media in Omie's home country of Nicaragua, Mr. Larrañaga replied, “Google, 'Atlas,'” referring to the Greek god. “Omie is Atlas.”
Now, Larrañaga saw Omie talking to fans outside his office. Larrañaga received further chants of good game from his friends. Whatever happens with that great finish, Miami needs it for the rest of the season.
