Pretty simple why you should care what current players say. With them, chances for success are high next year. A win in the dance changes things for our basketball program dramatically. Wins means attendance, more competitive recruiting, more donors, better facilities, etc. This program is on the verge of tremendous opportunity, but only wins will allow accomplishment.
I'm not saying you allow the committed to run the asylum, but you have to walk that fine line. There has to be discipline, structure and coaching. However, the players deserve to be heard.
Even the best coaches believe is ain't the x's and o's, but the Johnnys and Joes. If you think Louisville, Kansas, Kentucky, and the rest of the power programs win because of game coaching you are wrong. Coaches make a difference in games, but players win games. The coaches who don't pay attention aren't able to recruit the best and won't win.