No one would disagree that the name Pep Guardiola equals greatness in soccer folklore. The Spaniard wasn’t an exceptional player. Not to mention, he was often prone to injuries. Yet, even then, Guardiola was all about creativity, technique, and ball movement as opposed to physicality and pace in his iconic years in Blaugrana colors. His quick thinking, calm, and controlled composure have often proved to be weapons enough. These were some of the attributes he employed when he shifted to a managerial position. And something, it would seem, has been highly appreciated and admired by Joe Mazzulla.

Yes, you heard it right. It was with surprise and slight confusion that basketball enthusiasts received the news of the Celtics coach and Manchester City manager deep in conversation during the practice on Wednesday. But for those who have been diligently following the 35-year-old, you would remember that Mazzulla had flown to City’s Etihad Campus in Manchester in February. At the time too, fans were treated to a similar image as the latest – Guardiola speaking animatedly while Mazzulla was listening in rapt attention. This time, Morey Hershgordon of 7News shared the Mazzulla-Guardiola tweet that quickly went viral.

A Rhode Island native, Joe Mazzulla, has always been a fan of soccer. Although he turned his attention to basketball, he knew that a future as an NBA player wasn’t exactly practical. But he was a fan of the sport. And he translated that knowledge and thirst in a different direction – coaching. However, he was also a student.

Joe Mazzulla was all praise for Pep Guardiola and his coaching style

The only manager to win the continental treble twice, Pep Guardiola has spoken about the importance of looking beyond just one’s own sport to better themselves. And the game. Pep didn’t arrive to take charge of one of the most iconic sports teams in history with fanfare. If anything, everyone looked at the decision with disbelief, wondering what a young and inexperienced guy was doing as the manager of FC Barcelona.

It didn’t help that he tossed two of the most important players in the team, Deco and former Ballon d’Or Winner Ronaldinho. One of his moves during the period was making a 22-year-old Lionel Messi the focal point. Fans knew of Messi. They knew he was good but good enough for Barca? Good enough for the UEFA Champions League? Can you imagine anyone even letting that thought cross their mind now? Fat chance! But Pep had the courage to bring his “new-world” ideas to fruition. Something Joe Mazzulla very well identifies with.

When Boston let go of Ime Udoka, he stepped up to the role. And his first job was to convey his vision. He had a room full of grown men, veterans, who knew the sport like the back of their hand. So, it was imperative to make them understand his ideas. For that, he took the help of Pep. Mazzulla showed the Cs a Manchester City match. He then proceeded to explain to them what made Guardiola one of the best managers this world has seen. The philosophies he stood by.

“That is what the game of basketball is about, to me, and what counterattacking in soccer is about. I study a lot of Man City. I study Pep a lot. I think he’s the best coach at any level, in any sport. It’s had a huge influence (on me),” Mazzulla shared with The Athletic.

“Soccer and basketball, when I watch it, it’s kind of the same sport from that tactical standpoint of how do you create advantages? How do you create two-on-ones? How do you recognize weaknesses in the defense and how do you take advantage of angles?” he further explained.

It would seem like the youngest head coach since Bill Russell, to head a team to the Finals, was successful in imparting his vision. An EPL fan himself, Boston’s veteran center, Al Horford’s words prove it. “I’m learning from him just how he is making us understand how to work and take care of those advantages. He wants us to see and execute and really not just be robots out there. Whatever the game is dictating, do it.”

And boy, did they do it! Now all they have to do is win it all. Who do you have your bets on?

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow in what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.