Jim Larranaga reveals personal changes since first Final Four trip

Jim Larranaga knows a little about the Final Four after his first trip in 2006 with George Mason. The Miami Hurricanes coach revealed some personal changes since that tournament run.

George Mason was the underdog throughout the whole run 17 years ago. The favored Florida Gators took them out but Larranaga might have a more complete team this season.

With age and experience comes wisdom, as the general public says.

“That’s a good question,” Larranaga said. “I would say I’m more patient right now than I was back then. I was probably a better dancer back then. But here’s what I would say: In life, you learn every day. I read a lot. I try to learn and try to pass that along to our players. You know, I’m always preaching the seven habits of highly effective people. We have a philosophy based on attitude, commitment, and class that I’m preaching to the players all the time.”

However, Larranaga said coaching was not the end-all-be-all in his life.

“Honestly, I feel like if all I ever did with my life was teach kids how to dribble, pass and shoot, my life would not be very worthwhile,” Larranaga said. “I feel like my job is to mentor them and to help prepare them when they’re no longer playing basketball, to learn life skills, to develop their own philosophy, own values of the things that are important to them.

“That’s what I learned from my high school coach, and he was my inspiration for wanting to get into coaching. And I have a lot of guys now who have played for me or worked for me that are doing great in coaching as well. So I feel like we’re doing a good job.”

Jim Larranaga opens up on Final Four matchup vs. UConn

Danny Hurley and the Huskies stand in the Hurricanes’ way. The Final Four might be the toughest test all season for Miami and Larranaga.

“Yeah, well, you know Danny Hurley has done an incredible job of building that program,” Larranaga said. “He comes from a basketball family. Bobby Hurley, the great player from Duke and head coach of Arizona State, Bob Hurley Sr, you know one of the legendary high school coaches who’s in the Hall of Fame. And I think UConn is very much a reflection of their families personality. They’re tough. They’re hard nosed, they’re aggressive. They attack you at each end of the floor with their offense with their defense.”

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Miami takes on UConn in the Final Four Saturday with a trip to the national championship on the line.