Deep Byrd Roots in New Belmont Coach
(St. Louis, MO) – Belmont got their man. The moment hall of fame coach Rich Byrd retired there was little doubt that university officials were running straight to Lipscomb University to invite Casey Alexander to replace his former boss. They wanted things to stay the same.
Alexander spent 20 seasons as part of the Belmont basketball family. He was a player, administrator and coach. He knows and respects both coach Byrd and coach Byrd’s ways of doing things.
The Same But Different
The 46-year-old Alexander says things will stay the same, but they will be different. His Lipscomb teams played a similar style to the ‘Belmont Way’, but he says while philosophies will be similar, some things will be different.
Alexander just finished a season where his Lipscomb team went to NIT final and won a school-record 29 games. He was named Atlantic Sun ‘Coach of the Year’ and his star player (Garrison Mathews) was named ‘Player of the Year’. That sounds like many of Rick Byrd’s seasons.
Comparing the Outcomes
Lipscomb (29-8) dropped both games against Belmont last season, by a total of six points. They went to the NIT, won four games and finished second. Belmont (27-6) went to the NCAA Tournament and won its first-ever March Madness game.
How did they compare statistically? Both teams do what Rick Byrd teams do. They make threes, both teams shooting over 37% from beyond the arc. Both averaged over 80 points-per-game and converted at a high rate of success inside the line too.
Lipscomb (12th) and Belmont (34th) were both among the national leaders at offensive tempo and average length of offensive possession. Each team was shooting the ball in under 16 seconds per possession (kenpom.com).
Byrd’s Program
At the pep rally announcing his hiring, Alexander praised his mentor saying that he is proud to carry the Belmont basketball torch.
How Did He Get There?
Alexander’s route to becoming coach Byrd’s successor took an interesting course. He started his playing career at Tennessee and transferred to Belmont. Alexander sees a divine connection to his arrival at Belmont. His last two Lipscomb teams were an outstanding 52-18.
Alexander’s energy and passion are evident. His respect for Byrd is obvious. The desire to succeed and make his mentor proud and the university even more successful is clear.
Belmont brought home its favorite son and now he plans on carrying that torch and is convinced the results will be the same, but different.
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I haven't heard, nor do I know, how does this apply to the typical 'foreign' basketball player that is most often over 19?
Obviously, this is a sentimental and not a ‘spreadsheet’ notion, but would hate to see @MVCsports change the #ArchMadness format from the traditional ‘family reunion’ feel by cutting teams from the experience. #FatherHarry
Another nice @MVCsports basketball schedule announcement. #FatherHarry . .
Congrats to @ISURedbirdGolf. T.J. Barger sets a school record. Pietro Pontiggia records the Redbirds' second-ever top 20 finish at a regional. The team finishes tent in the region which is tied for the program's best regional finish! #FatherHarry
