In February, Rori Harmon’s Texas Longhorns lost 70-86 against the Vanderbilt Commodores. Nearly every player failed to perform that day, and the Texas defense, which is considered suffocating for opponents, was ineffective.
Harmon only had five points, shooting 2 of 5 from the field, and had two turnovers. Looking back, that loss seems necessary for the Longhorns because, since then, they have been on an unbeaten run.
Vic Schaefer didn’t take it easy on his team after the loss. He berated his own players, pointing out all the areas where they failed. Schaefer sounded very disappointed and angry after the loss.
“It’s the first time at Texas I feel like my team was out-toughed; the other team played harder,” he said. “And just quite frankly, we had no heart. You want to ask me what does it take to win at this level, what’s it going to take for my team, you got to have heart, we got no heart.”
Being trashed by their own head coach turned out to be a blessing for the Longhorns. Their offense has gotten better since then, their defense has successfully managed to restrict teams under 60 points on numerous outings, and they’re averaging a 30-point win margin.
During a recent conversation with Autumn Johnson, Harmon talked about what Schaefer’s harsh criticism did for the team.
“When you hear your own coach say those things about you in that moment,” she said. “I know deep down he really doesn’t feel that way, but hearing your coach say those things, you never want him to ever think that ever again.”
Although Schaefer’s words hurt the players, they understood it was tough love, and they had made a mistake. Harmon said that the next team practice was incredible, and they haven’t looked back since.
Vic Schaefer Heaped Praise on Rori Harmon and Co.
Back in February, Schaefer had said that the opposition was more physical and aggressive while his team whined and complained about things. The Longhorns responded well to his criticism and have managed to turn things around.
Now, Coach Schaefer is proud of his team again. After the win against Michigan, where they held the Wolverines to just 41 points and won 77-41, Schaefer heaped praise on his players.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt [that] right now they’re playing as good as any team I’ve ever had,” he said. “You know, they’re really locked in. Again, their chemistry is off the chart. Their focus is laser focus.”
The Longhorns will play in the Final Four on Friday at PHX Arena in Phoenix against the UCLA Bruins.
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