He may just have one of the straightest faces for a coach in professional sport.
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But will Canberra Capitals coach Paul Goriss break into cheers or tears following their WNBL championship decider against the Adelaide Lightning at a sold-out AIS Arena on Saturday?
"Maybe, maybe, no guarantees of anything. Whatever comes in the moment," Goriss said.
Goriss has maintained a measured approach following Canberra's controversial game two loss to Adelaide on the road that saw the Capitals' grip on the title slip.
The Capitals mentor has watched the game three times over but says there is no point dwelling on the past - it is his job to make sure a fired up Canberra outfit is ready to make amends at a packed house.
"I’ve learnt that over time, I’m an old guy now - not that I like to think I am. There came a time where we had a guy come in when I was at the Centre of Excellence and do a talk about mindfulness," Goriss said.
Mindfulness is the psychological process of bringing one's attention to experiences occurring in the present moment.
The concept can be developed through the practice of meditation. It is the key pillar in Goriss' coaching mindset, and it may unlock a drought-breaking eighth championship for the Capitals.
"That really got me into that, I haven't done it a lot but it changed my outlook on coaching. I was trying to coach every play and be in every play. I thought it just creates more stress on myself and the players, and I wasn’t seeing the game clearly," Goriss said.
"I practiced it one game. I still remember the game, the Centre of Excellence girls played against Geelong. We went for dinner afterwards and the girls were asking why I was so calm and collected on the sidelines. It was because I did my mindfulness before the game.
"It really did help me sit back and be able to watch and see the game, not overreact to things in that split second. It has changed who I am and how I coach on the sideline.
"I want to make sure I do a good job of things too, the girls do a great job and they are the ones out there battling for 40 minutes, they don’t need my stress, pressure and anger coming across.
"I’ve got to think clearly, give them clear instructions and help them as much as I can. Mindfulness is the key."
WNBL GRAND FINAL
Saturday: Game three - Canberra Capitals v Adelaide Lightning at AIS Arena, 5pm. Tickets from Ticketek.
