Most Marist basketball fans know Jimmy Patsos, the high-strung coach for rival Loyola. Patsos recently made news when he employed a unique defense to try and stop Davidson's Stephen Curry. He used two defenders on Curry, allowing Davidson to play four against three. The strategy worked in stopping Curry, who scored zero points. Many might consider that a moral victory considering Curry averages 29.2 ppg and 7 apg. Loyola lost the game, however, 78-48. T
he move received national attention, notably from ESPN and shows like Around the Horn and Pardon the Interruption.With Siena and Loyola competing in the first MAAC game of the season, Siena beat writer Pete Iorizzo talked to Patsos extensively about the strategy. Patsos explained that the strategy was not a self-serving attempt for national recognition but a calculated risk intended to take down the nationally ranked Davidson Wildcats. Although Patsos' team left the Times-Union Center with a 75-68 loss, he did leave something behind. The following article contains a letter Patsos sent to Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon in an attempt to rationalize his strategy. This article is courtesy of Pete Iorizzo and Deadspin.com:
Jimmy Patsos letter to ESPN
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