We met with Cuonzo for about half an hour this morning. Here are some highlights (Mitchell will have a story/notebook later today)
Likes where the team is development wise, says this a time of year he enjoys, having a little down time, time to work with the kids. Mark Smith is out of the boot and shooting, not yet running.
Says he anticipates playing nine guys. If you play more than that, either something really special is happening or something not very good is happening.
They did not really look at taking a grad transfer this year. Didn't think they needed one, especially in the back court, didn't want to upset the chemistry/balance with guys already on the roster
Schedule is set other than the Utah game, which they're still trying to work out.
I asked him about the NCAA stuff and what kind of message it sends if the NCAA does nothing to these coaches. He had a lot to say, much of which I think Mitch will include in his story. Pointed out it was interesting that the four assistants who are in big trouble are African American, while the head coaches at those programs (who are not, I believe) are still coaching. Basically said you don't change who you are and start cheating. You do things based on what is right or wrong. Said in the end it's up to the presidents/ADs at the schools mentioned to do something because they made the hire. Said he's gained a lot of appreciation for the NCAA being on the oversight committee and thinks they are working hard and doing the best they can despite what the outside perception might be. Also said he hopes the four assistants who got in trouble get another chance somewhere down the line because they aren't bad guys, they just made a mistake.
Is fine with the three point line. Says there has been talk of widening the lane, but he doesn't think it's necessary in college basketball, doesn't change much without illegal defenses.
Said the staff will remain the same next year. We all keep hearing rumors that Michael Porter Sr isn't going to be one of the three assistants, but every time we ask about that, he chuckles and shoots us down.
Those are the highlights, more to come
Likes where the team is development wise, says this a time of year he enjoys, having a little down time, time to work with the kids. Mark Smith is out of the boot and shooting, not yet running.
Says he anticipates playing nine guys. If you play more than that, either something really special is happening or something not very good is happening.
They did not really look at taking a grad transfer this year. Didn't think they needed one, especially in the back court, didn't want to upset the chemistry/balance with guys already on the roster
Schedule is set other than the Utah game, which they're still trying to work out.
I asked him about the NCAA stuff and what kind of message it sends if the NCAA does nothing to these coaches. He had a lot to say, much of which I think Mitch will include in his story. Pointed out it was interesting that the four assistants who are in big trouble are African American, while the head coaches at those programs (who are not, I believe) are still coaching. Basically said you don't change who you are and start cheating. You do things based on what is right or wrong. Said in the end it's up to the presidents/ADs at the schools mentioned to do something because they made the hire. Said he's gained a lot of appreciation for the NCAA being on the oversight committee and thinks they are working hard and doing the best they can despite what the outside perception might be. Also said he hopes the four assistants who got in trouble get another chance somewhere down the line because they aren't bad guys, they just made a mistake.
Is fine with the three point line. Says there has been talk of widening the lane, but he doesn't think it's necessary in college basketball, doesn't change much without illegal defenses.
Said the staff will remain the same next year. We all keep hearing rumors that Michael Porter Sr isn't going to be one of the three assistants, but every time we ask about that, he chuckles and shoots us down.
Those are the highlights, more to come
