Did University of Houston reach the NCAA Championship Game because they ran the mile, move a lot of weight in the weight room, eat well, are loud in practice, or close out better? Yes.
I think athletes will train to the test, so coaches need to be careful what test they choose. If you set a mile-run, then the keen athletes will do 'extras' to be better at that test. Training for a mile is not the same as training for a basketball match (even though some aspects are similar). Do you want your basketball players running 3-10 miles to build up their aerobic base?
As for coaches copycatting other coaches without understanding the 'Why', that seems to be the norm nowadays. If you can't explain why you are doing something to your team, don't do it! (not limited to basketball).
I had two college players who loved to run distance. One actually thought of quitting basketball to be a miler or 5k runner during Covid. Coincidentally or not, both suffered injuries (one knee, one foot) that started as overuse injuries, probably from running/training, and had their basketball careers interrupted (one retired).
So much to unpick here (as always).
I think athletes will train to the test, so coaches need to be careful what test they choose. If you set a mile-run, then the keen athletes will do 'extras' to be better at that test. Training for a mile is not the same as training for a basketball match (even though some aspects are similar). Do you want your basketball players running 3-10 miles to build up their aerobic base?
As for coaches copycatting other coaches without understanding the 'Why', that seems to be the norm nowadays. If you can't explain why you are doing something to your team, don't do it! (not limited to basketball).
I had two college players who loved to run distance. One actually thought of quitting basketball to be a miler or 5k runner during Covid. Coincidentally or not, both suffered injuries (one knee, one foot) that started as overuse injuries, probably from running/training, and had their basketball careers interrupted (one retired).