Big in Japan, Back in Ludwigsburg: Headcoach John Patrick - what to expect?
Background
John Patrick is returning to Ludwigsburg after a two-year stint in Japan with the Chiba Jets Funabashi. In Japan’s B.League, which emphasizes entertainment over training, Patrick experienced a slower pace compared to the German easyCredit Basketball Bundesliga . The level of play in Japan's first division is akin to Germany's Pro B (third division) or Regionalliga (fourth division).
Impact on Coaching Style
1. Simplification and Focus on Basics:
In Japan, due to the lower quality of players, Patrick was forced to simplify his complex defensive systems and focus more on basic fundamentals. This experience will influence his approach in Ludwigsburg, leading to a streamlined yet effective system that emphasizes discipline and fundamentals.
2. Increased Emphasis on Fundamentals:
Patrick’s time in Japan allowed him to appreciate the value of a Zen-like focus on fundamentals. He will bring this back to Ludwigsburg, ensuring his players excel in basic basketball skills.
Unchanged Core Values
Despite these changes, Patrick's commitment to Euroleague-level discipline and defense remains unwavering. While Ludwigsburg may lack the fundings for top offensive talents, Patrick’s emphasis on defense and discipline will make his team a tough opponent.
Player Preferences
Patrick has a preference, born out of necessity, for recruiting players with good character who have excelled academically (MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg 2024). These players typically possess:
A. High Basketball IQ:
Good academic performers tend to have a higher IQ, which translates to better understanding and execution of basketball strategies.
B. Discipline and Work Ethic:
Success in both academics and sports requires excellent organizational skills, self-discipline, and a strong work ethic—traits that are crucial for continuous improvement and effective defensive strategies.
C. Learning Ability and Adaptability:
Academically successful players are usually quick learners and adaptable, viewing the coach as an ally and rapidly assimilating new concepts and techniques.
D. Responsibility and Team Spirit:
These players are more likely to follow rules and work well in a team, understanding that collective success comes from individual willing and cooperation.
E. Mental Toughness:
Having developed coping mechanisms for stress through their dual success in academics and sports, these players can handle critical situations calmly and make optimal decisions under pressure.
Brandon Tischler, joining from Braunschweig, exemplifies this player profile. His decisions have always been geared towards long-term growth, including a year of training with Dirk Nowitzki's former mentor Holger Geschwindner during the Covid-19 pandemic (Koch 2022).
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What's more, JP presumably won't be able to give up his preference for small line-ups: The MHP Riesen cannot afford cost-intensive big men, but have to rely on center players like Jonas Wohlfahrt-Botterman, whose qualities are limited to 15 effective minutes per game (ProBallers 2024).
System Adaptations
Given these conditions, Patrick will likely employ the following systems:
Offensively:
Motion Offense: This system suits smaller line-ups, emphasizing constant movement, passing, and reading the defense.
Small Ball Offense: Focused on fast transitions, applying continuous pressure on the defense, utilizing three-point shooting, and creating spacing.
Defensively:
Pack Line Defense: This zone-oriented man-to-man defense requires disciplined team players with high basketball IQ, aiming to protect the paint and force difficult outside shots.
Saint Patrick's Press: The full-court press, affectionately dubbed "Saint Patrick's Press", has been Ludwigsburg's backbone so far. John Patrick has installed it as a standard tool at all team levels.
While it remains uncertain exactly how Coach Patrick will approach the upcoming season, the Pack Line Defense presents a logical and potentially effective strategy given the limited financial options for composing a team and his recent experiences in Japan. Nevertheless, it seems more obvious to me that “Saint Patrick's Press” will take on a less dominant role in the future due to JP's recent experience. After all, it's very energy-intensive and is therefore more likely to be used as a supplement.
Stratagemic Approach
Patrick’s strategy can be framed using the ancient Chinese 36 Stratagems:
Stratagem 19: "Steal the firewood from under the pot": By applying continuous pressure, Ludwigsburg aims to drain the opponent’s energy while conserving their own (Senger 2004: 71-155).
Stratagem 33: "The stratagem of sowing discord": Aggressive pressing will aim to disrupt and fracture the opponent’s team cohesion (Senger 2004: 628-657).
Stratagem 4: "Awaiting the exhausted enemy at your ease": The opponent will be worn down over time, allowing Ludwigsburg to capitalize on their fatigue (Senger 1993: 59-66).
Conclusion
While predicting specific league standings is difficult due to the variability of other teams’ investments, it's crystal clear that Ludwigsburg will be a formidable opponent under Patrick again. Every game against them will be a grueling challenge, embodying a strategy of "Divide and Conquer".
Sources
#36stratagems