On numerous occasions I've heard/read Buzz talk about building/creating a culture. It was a concept that - in terms of basketball - I had not previously thought about. Over the past four years, however, the kind of culture Buzz envisioned creating has become obvious.
This got me thinking - and wondering. One question that has popped into my head a few times is whether or not Al created a culture at MU during his run, and I think the answer is a resounding "Yes!" I just never viewed what he accomplished in that way. But Al didn't just create a successful program; he created a culture in his own image.
In some ways the culture Buzz has created/is creating and the one Al created are very similar. Yet in other ways, they are/were very, very different.
Two different eras, two very different individuals, yet both possess/possessed the vision, the ability, and the perseverence to create an actual culture.
I may be wrong, but I think very, very few programs/coaches ever manage to create/instill a culture. As an MU fan, I think I have been very fortunate to have witnessed such a creation not once, but twice.
Furthermore, I don't believe Buzz is anywhere near satisfied with his creation at this point. He has too strong a desire to analyze, evaluate, refine, and, most of all, grow. It is really, really, really exciting to watch this culture evolve.
I'm hoping others will add their thoughts about the culture Al created and the culture Buzz is creating - especially where they are similar and where they are different.