Published in The Courier-Journal Magazine, February 7, 1954 , pp. 30-32.

By Larry Boeck

ADOLPH RUPP is one man who doesn't have to be reminded that practice makes perfect.

Ever since he entered the coaching field over a quarter of a century ago, the University of Kentucky basketball chief has insisted that victory is won on the practice floor.

Since His first coaching assignment - which was as a wrestling coach - Rupp's basketball teams have won over 500 games.

Even, as a wrestling coach, Rupp's genius at molding winners was evident

After he left Kansas University, where he played basketball under Coach Phog Allen, he received a bid from Freeport, Ill., High (sic) and, assuming it was an offer to coach the basketball team, accepted.

Arriving at Freeport though, he learned he was the wrestling coach! Undaunted, despite the fact he knew virtually nothing about wrestling, he guided his team to the state championship.

Since that time, and by stressing practice work, his Kentucky teams annually have been among the nation's powerhouses. Talented players have a lot to do with Rupp's remarkable record, of course. But it is no secret in the coaching profession that Rupp can bring out the best in a prospect

As something of a tribute to the way he organizes and conducts his practice sessions, a 20-minute sound movie was made of Rupp sending his Wildcats through their paces. The movie, which is available in the Louisville Free Public Library audio-visual department, shows in detail how the Wildcats run such "bread-and-butter" plays as the guard-around and how the Kentuckians contrive their set plays.

A set play is one in which, usually, the guard who brings the team down the floor shouts a signal. Then, as in football, the team sets up the play, with one man assigned to drive for the basket, much in the manner of a ball carrier in football.

During warm-up time, which is the first part of a typical practice session, University of Kentucky players shoot baskets. In center, with wrapped leg, is injured Cliff Hagan.

Kentucky, for years, has been known as a club that uses a good many more set plays man most other basketball teams. And, having had one extra season of practice because of their suspension, the Wildcats this season are using even more set-plays than they have in the past.

The secret, of course, is in split-second timing, ball handling, speed of operation and shooting, which can only be acquired in practice.

That the Wildcats have attained almost perfection is illustrated by a recent remark Coach Ed Hickey of St Louis made when he was in Lexington scouting.

"I hold no love for Kentucky," said the little Hickey, whose teams have had a bitter rivalry with the Wildcats. "But Kentucky is the sweetest-operating club I've ever seen. I love to watch them play."

Let's take a typical practice session.

Before drills start, usually at 3:30 p.m., Rupp and Assistant Coach Harry Lancaster have decided on what phase of the game they'll concentrate. Maybe the Wildcats defense looked ragged and needed some work; or, perhaps, maybe the offense needed a bit more polishing.

When the players arrive from classes, dress for practice and get onto the floor, they warm up for 15 minutes or so, shooting baskets, attempting free throws.

Then, usually, Rupp sends them through another 15 minutes of timing, ball handling and shooting drills, about the same kind the team uses in warming up for a game.

After this, Rupp sends the squad through offensive and defensive patterns he believes they need to improve. Usually standing down-court, where he can get a good view of proceedings, hell have Lancaster send the players, say, through a guard-around play.

If everything looks O.K., he'll say nothing. When he does talk, it's in a quiet tone and usually without emotion. He might say something like, "That's more like her, but Billy (guard Billy Evans), you'd be better off if you played your man just a little more shallow."

In one of the warm-up drills on the floor of the University of Kentucky gym, Linville Puckett is dribbling toward the hoop with Lou Tsioropoulos even with him at the right.

Rupp's criticisms, when he is aroused, usually are a blend of humor and biting sarcasm.

Once, when the first team was working defenses against the offensive patterns of DePaul, which was to be played in Chicago two days hence, one of Kentucky's men apparently didn't have his heart in his work.

"Lemme tell you something," said Rupp to the fellow. "When we get to Chicago, instead of your just standing around on the floor watching things like you are, you just take $2 and buy yourself a ticket to the game. You can see it a lot better in the stands."

Watching the team at work on the practice floor, Coach Adolph Rupp stands out in the middle where he can get a good view. And if he doesn't say anything, it means all's well.

Some years ago, when Rupp smoked cigars, he spotted a star loafing along at practice, as the anecdote goes. Rupp immediately stopped practice, dug into his pocket for some money and called the star over.

"You're not getting much done here today," said Rupp. "Here's a dollar. Get dressed and go and buy some cigars for me. I'm fresh out"

The player left to get the cigars, too.

Rupp's practices vary. Two days before a game, however, his Cats get their most intense workout This is when Rupp stresses defense against the offense his opponent plays, and when he emphasizes what points in the Kentucky attack can best be used against the foe he is to meet.

The day before the game, work is lighter, with defense and offense receiving some polishing. Normally, the Cats don't work the day of the game unless they haven't been on the enemy's floor before.

Then, on the day of the game they limber up, principally getting used to the arena and the strange baskets.

Warm-up period over, the starting five (white shirts) tries an offensive play - this one is the guard-around - against the reserves. Puckett has the ball. Ramsey's beside him, and Grawemeyer's nearby. At far left is Tsioropoulos, while Bill Evans races along at right.

While Kentucky, like all clubs, stresses offense, it gives almost as much attention to defense.

"It's true you have to score points to win," says Assistant Lancaster. "But if you score 100 points and the other guys get 101, you're whipped.

"We operate on this theory: if every man starting makes just one more point than the fellow he's guarding, well win by five points."

And, adds Rupp: "We feel that a good, tight defense can save us on those days when we're flat on offense. Every club goes flat in maybe three or four games each season, and cant buy a bucket

"Well, sir, on nights like that, when maybe we get just 60 points instead of our average of 85, we can win if our defense holds the other bunch to less than 60."

All s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d out for s short rest during practice session: Phil Grawemeyer

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