Ep 7. Guru of Go (Loyola Marymount)

The episode "Guru of Go" from the first season of ESPN's award-winning series 30 For 30 takes a look at the Loyola Marymount men's basketball team of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Coached by Paul Westhead, the team was known for their fast-paced style of play that came to be known as the "Guru of Go."

Westhead's unconventional approach to the game was heavily influenced by his experiences coaching women's basketball, which he believed emphasized better ball movement and more creative shot selection than men's basketball. This approach proved successful at Loyola Marymount, where Westhead recruited talented players who thrived in his system.

However, this high-flying style of play came with a tragic cost. In the 1990 NCAA Tournament, star player Hank Gathers collapsed on the court during a game and died soon after. The team was devastated by the loss, but rallied together to make an improbable run to the West Regional final before ultimately falling to eventual national champions UNLV.

The episode features interviews with former players and coaches, as well as archival footage and photographs to help tell the story of the Loyola Marymount basketball team and the legacy of Paul Westhead's coaching style. It explores not only the highs and lows of the "Guru of Go" era, but also the impact that it had on college basketball and the evolution of the sport in the years since.