“As it turns out, I really believe my wiring as a coach is similar to Coach Holland’s,” Carlisle said. “Everything he did as a coach made sense to me when I played for him. He was thoughtful, tough when he needed to be, and had a great way with people, and was a great communicator. I’ve tried to develop those qualities as a coach. He’s always been a great role model and a great resource.”

Walker also learned valuable lessons, such as the power of confidence, and the power that a leader has to his players.

“Terry told us long before we believed in ourselves that we could contend for an ACC championship,” Walker said. “Hey, here’s a guy who believes in us. We haven’t proven we’re at that level, but maybe he knows something. He said it and we believed he meant it. If he didn’t believe it, he made us believe he meant it.”

Many of Holland’s players have formed a lifelong bond and have sought his counsel over the years, Walker, Miller, Carlisle included. Walker said Holland would come to games in Seattle and always give an assessment of what he saw, which was great insight shared with Walker.

Carlisle? The same.