Western Nebraska Community College led Lamar (Colo.) points in an early January men’s basketball game. Coach Cory Fehringer’s assistant coach suggested switching to a zone defense for a baseline inbounds play in the final seconds.
“We’re a man-to-man team,” Fehringer said. “That really gave us an edge to win the possession. We contest the three. Get the rebound. Game over.”
Fehringer gives that example to illustrate why assistant coach Chad Gibney, 25, was the right person to handle one of college basketball’s most challenging seasons. Fehringer, also in his first season, trusted Gibney to orchestrate his defense because of his maturity and eye for strategy.