None have argued the success of Texas Tech. Coach Bobby Knight in college basketball. He is approaching the all-time wins record in Division 1, and has three national championships. However many people have expressed concern over Coach Bobby Knight’s questionable tactics, which involve threats, insults, and incidents of violence to motivate a player.

“Passion is what you need to be a successful coach; if you’re not passionate then I don’t think you’ll be successful as a coach,” said Varela Varsity Football Coach Clark Eakes.

“I believe… that [as a coach] you got to show the players that you’re for them, they get to know certain things. They start to trust you. As opposed to just looking out for yourself,” said Coach Cesar Lacaci, Varela’s Varsity Basketball coach.

This season Knight has led the Texas Tech. Red Raiders to a great start. The team plays in the Big 12 a difficult conference. The team has held its own with an 8-3 record and has played well.

Coach Knight's temper got the best of him when he slapped Michael Prince in the chin in a regular season game against Gardner-Webb. Athletic Director Gerald Myers believes Knight did nothing and that he “lifted” his chin. Even the player in question and his parents believed there was no fault in Knight’s actions.

“As a coach, you should be passionate but you still have to remember that they are students, then athletes.” said Ms. Rachael Socarras, Social Studies teacher and Track and Field Coach.

“I don’t believe in humiliating, and degrading someone. I believe in knowing your athlete, seeing them bowl and then try and identify their weaknesses,” said Mr. Richard Bellon Math teacher, and Bowling coach at Felix Varela High.

Coach Knight’s coaching philosophy has a better reputation than his actions. He believes in tough, selfless, and intelligent play by players and the sacrifice of individual glory for the sake of the team's success. He values a team that works together to achieve a common goal.



“I agree with him, but it’s more of a combination of both, but basketball is probably a little different than football. I can’t coach 4.3 speed, but I can make that speed go at a correct angle, and take a correct step, but I can’t make that speed. In terms of basketball, I can have a slow player, but is a good shooter, and is able to make good decisions,” said Eakes.

Coach Knight ultimately believes in intelligent players, and players that have high character. He dismissed his star player Jarrius Jackson from the team because of poor grades. Jackson was a conference player of the year that was featured on the team media guide. However he was able to rededicate himself to his academics.

“I’m a teacher first and a coach second. I’m teaching these student athletes to be young men and women. I don’t stand foul language, and I don’t want to see Ds and Fs,” said Coach Socarras.

“I’m sure there were some cases where I have been wrong, but Monday night wasn’t one of them,” Knight told ESPN.com “I was trying to help a kid, and I think I did.”