When it comes to building and revitalizing college basketball programs, Lon Kruger
has few peers. From the small Rio Grande Valley town of Edinburg, Texas where he
began his head coaching career at the University of Texas-Pan American in 1982 to
the bright lights of Las Vegas, where he helped revitalize UNLV’s slumbering basketball
program, the quiet and humble native of Silver Lake, Kansas has proven to be the
master of the turnaround. He is one of only four coaches in NCAA history to take
three different programs (UNLV, Kansas State, Florida) to the Sweet 16 since the
NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams.
Obviously, Lon Kruger has found a unique formula for success that includes bringing
the very best out of his players and teams. He has done it with a dignity and class
that is not always associated with the sporting world. Imagine if you could use
those same principles to help improve your business or personal life?
In
The Xs and Os of Success: A Playbook for Leaders in Business and Life,
Kruger does just that. He lays out his principles for taking over cultures seeking
stability and direction and changing them into positive, successful environments
that bring out the very best in people. These are lessons that are easily applied
in the field of business . . . and in life.
Kruger does an outstanding job of weaving his own basketball coaching
experiences
into quick-moving examples of his performance and leadership principles. By the
time you reach the last page, you come away with an excellent understanding of why
Lon Kruger is not only such an outstanding coach and person but also a brilliant
motivator of people.
What others are saying about Coach Kruger and
the book:
“Lon Kruger helps to set the bar for integrity in our profession. His history
of success in college basketball is even more impressive when you realize he has
repeatedly revitalized programs all while operating strictly within the rules. Lon
is a coach’s coach. We all have something to learn from him.”
Roy Williams
Head Coach, University of North Carolina
“Coach simply helps you be the best you can be – on and off the court. Players give
their best because they know he cares.”
Mitch Richmond
Former All-American for Kruger at Kansas State and six-time NBA All-Star
“Lon Kruger is an outstanding leader and a great teacher. He brings everything to
the table, everything it takes to build a program. I encourage you to take the lessons
from this book to heart. Lon knows what he is talking about.”
Dick Vitale
Member of Basketball Hall of Fame, ABC and ESPN
“Lon is a brilliant businessman, who just happens to coach basketball. While he
is known for his humility, his desire to win and his competitive drive is second
to none. That balance of sincere humility with unending competitiveness is a unique
trait many of the world’s premier business leaders share.”
Steve and Elaine Wynn
Wynn Las Vegas
“Lon Kruger is one of the finest leaders of young men I have ever witnessed in nearly
a quarter-century of covering college basketball for CBS. Moreover, he is a good
man. It does not surprise me that he has been a proven winner time and time again.
When you mix leadership with passion and integrity, you get Lon Kruger.”
Jim Nantz
CBS Sports
“Very few coaches have been able to change cultures as quickly and successfully
as Lon Kruger. He understands how to mold a group of individuals into one team with
a common goal and has proven that time and time again. Lon has high standards for
all those around him and he possesses a passion for winning, but not at any cost.
That is arguably his strongest trait.”
Larry Brown
Head Coach, Charlotte Bobcats
Only coach to win both an NCAA National Championship (Kansas 1988) and an NBA Championship
(Detroit 2004)
“Lon Kruger understands business because he understands people. The business world
missed out on an all-star when Lon went into coaching.”
Bill Boyd
Executive Chairman of the Board, Boyd Gaming Corporation
“Many leaders in the business world have helped to develop their leadership skills,
discipline, and competitive drive by participating in sports throughout their lives.
The Xs and Os of Success gives readers an intriguing look at the parallels
between coaching a sports team at the highest level and leading a team of professionals
in a business setting. Congratulations to Lon Kruger and D.J. Allen for teaming
together to write a book many of us have always wanted to read.”
George W. Smith
President, Bank of America Nevada
If you are interested in reserving a copy of Coach Kruger’s
The Xs and Os of Success,
please email
Taylor.Campbell@CoachKruger.com.
Schedule Coach Kruger
Coach Kruger enjoys the opportunity to deliver his “Xs and Os of Success” message
at corporate and organizational functions. For more information on availability,
contact Bridget Byrne with UNLV men's basketball at
bridget.byrne@unlv.edu or call 702.895.3295. (Obviously, his basketball
responsibilities dictate his availability.)
D.J. Allen, co-author of
The Xs and Os of Success, can also appear with
Coach Kruger in a unique team presentation to give an enhanced perspective of the
lessons. Allen is also available to make individual presentations at corporate and
organizational functions as well. Contact Bridget Byrne with UNLV men's basketball
at
bridget.byrne@unlv.edu or call 702.895.3295
for D.J.’s availability.
Coach Kruger on Basketball
Three DVDs featuring Coach Kruger are available from Championship Productions:
Lon Kruger: Flexible Offensive Attack ($39.99) (NEW RELEASE!)
Lon Kruger: 20 Essential Offensive and Defensive Fundamental Drills ($39.99)
Lon Kruger: Man and Zone Quick Hitters ($39.99)
To order, call Championship Productions at 800.873.2730 or visit
www.ChampionshipProductions.com.