That meeting was NOT the time to be tough and set the bar high and be no nonsense. Such a tactical mistake.
I am not saying that being a "taskmaster" straight shooter who demands excellence on and off the court is necessarily a bad thing--though in this speech it sounded insincere and cliche coach speak. What I am saying is, be smart.
He was selected coach in a whirlwind of confusion and amidst player transfers and two historically bad years with players whose confidence is low. You don't come in saying I am going to kick your ass, reminding them the odds against being a pro and needing an education, and brandishing a rolled paper in your hand...all on video! Stupid.
That is the speech you make at first practice in the Fall. That's where you motivate them to be pushed hard.
This is the empathetic get to know you moment. This is where you soften your tone and LISTEN. You say "Hey, guys. I saw some good things towards the end of the season we can build on. I look forward to learning about Berkeley from you and us all coming together through adversity. I want to prove myself to you and let you know things are going to get better and you are in good hands. I don't expect us to know each other instantly, but I want to start building relationships now."
Make the players feel important and invested. They had NO SAY in his hire. His priority should be their buy in and not their obedience. I just can't get over what a big mistake that approach is.
You don't lay into them and then force them to do a phony "Together" cheer. I would be rolling my eyes and saying this is bulI**** if I were them. This isn't about going easy on them, or being PC, or juice boxes, or participation trophies...this is about understanding people and the situation. I would never enter any group (professional or personal) and barge in like that. That's what oblivious people do and so I wonder about his people and recruiting skills. Read the friggin' room!
The Bear will not quilt, the Bear will not dye!