Dana Jacobson defends Leonard Hamilton after awkward interview

Florida State basketball coach Leonard Hamilton has been criticized for both the way he handled the end of Saturday night’s loss to Michigan and his unwillingness to explain the poor strategy, but CBS’ Dana Jacobson defended him after the duo’s awkward interview.

The Seminoles had a chance to foul after Michigan missed a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left, which would have put the Wolverines at the line in a four-point game. Instead, Florida State chose to let the clock run out and lost 58-54. Jacobson asked Hamilton why he chose not to foul, and the coach seemed like he felt blindsided.

Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton on the decision not to foul with 11 seconds remaining.#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/IxlWNnuPRa

— March Madness TV (@MarchMadnessTV) March 25, 2018

The question from Jacobson was fair, and Hamilton was probably just frustrated about having his strategy called into question following such a big game. Despite his somewhat unprofessional reaction, Jacobson later defended him.

Coach Hamilton spoke to me minutes after an emotional @FSUHoops loss. It was the right question to ask. He showed emotion & I appreciate him talking through it w/me instead of walking off. He was nothing but professional w/me throughout this weekend as I believe I was with them.

— Dana Jacobson (@danajacobson) March 25, 2018

Florida State has already been highly criticized for not trying to extend the game, so Hamilton has to own the decision. Would Michigan have missed both free throws and blown a four-point lead? Probably not, but most coaches would at least try to give their team a chance with 11 seconds to play in an Elite Eight game.