In this photo taken on Dec. 11, 2014, Louisiana Tech women’s basketball coach Tyler Summitt signals to his players during an NCAA college basketball game against Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss.STARKVILLE, Miss. — Tyler Summitt stares through his wire-rimmed glasses at a recent Louisiana Tech women’s basketball practice, watching with intensity as his players sprint, shift and shout instructions to each other during a drill emphasizing zone defense.
He sees something he doesn’t like and a shrill whistle pierces the air.
Then the 24-year-old son of Hall of Famer Pat Summitt gets into a defensive stance and begins his lecture. For associate head coach Mickie DeMoss — who spent two decades as an assistant at Tennessee on Tyler’s mom’s staff — watching it is strange juxtaposition.
The laser-like focus reminds her of Pat. The measured tone in his message does not.
“This is killing us,” Summitt said firmly but quietly. “You’re here and we need you right over here. Don’t sink back. Pay attention to the details. It matters. Does that make sense?”