While USC is known as a "football school," where would the sport of basketball be without legendary Trojans head coach Sam Barry?
Barry left his mark at Troy by coaching three sports (basketball, baseball and football) simultaneously, but his national legacy is on the hardwood as one of the great innovators in hoops history.
When he started coaching the game (came to USC in 1925), the rules stated that both teams jump at center after every made basket or free throw similar to a center ice face-off after every goal in hockey. However, Barry is credited in basketball history as being the primary person responsible for changing that rule, which led to the free flowing game we all enjoy today.
Also, Barry tutored Tex Winter in the principles of the triangle offense, which the retired Bulls and Lakers assistant would perfect at Phil Jackson's side in the NBA.
So, while you are glued to the TV this Christmas watching the Lakers run their patented triangle offense against the Miami Heat, think of Sam Barry, and be thankful that every Kobe Bryant fadeaway is not followed by a jump ball.
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Barry left his mark at Troy by coaching three sports (basketball, baseball and football) simultaneously, but his national legacy is on the hardwood as one of the great innovators in hoops history.When he started coaching the game (came to USC in 1925), the rules stated that both teams jump at center after every made basket or free throw similar to a center ice face-off after every goal in hockey. However, Barry is credited in basketball history as being the primary person responsible for changing that rule, which led to the free flowing game we all enjoy today.
Also, Barry tutored Tex Winter in the principles of the triangle offense, which the retired Bulls and Lakers assistant would perfect at Phil Jackson's side in the NBA.
So, while you are glued to the TV this Christmas watching the Lakers run their patented triangle offense against the Miami Heat, think of Sam Barry, and be thankful that every Kobe Bryant fadeaway is not followed by a jump ball.
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