This edition of the VN Interview takes us to the Big East. While at Manhattan College, Bobby Gonzalez burst onto the college hoops scene by leading his team to a 2004 NCAA Tournament win over Florida. Now in his second year at Seton Hall, Coach Gonzalez is energizing the Pirate program with his uptempo style. He shared his thoughts on a number of college hoops issues with VN. Thanks to Coach Gonzalez for his participation and to Matt Sweeney for his invaluable help in scheduling the interview. I hope everyone enjoys.

1. On Moving Into The New Prudential Center In Newark This Season: “It’s going to be great. We’re now closer to campus.” Coach Gonzalez stated that there’s a better “buzz and atmosphere” than at the Meadowlands, which sometimes seemed like a “neutral site.” The Center has also been “impressive to recruits.”
2. On The Depth Of The Big East: “Incredible.” We discussed how the league is “great for everyone but the coaches” and how the conference has such an abundance of “coaches who have been to a Final Four.”
3. On The Benefits Of Having Prior Experience Recruiting New York City: Coach Gonzalez talked about how he “became known, in my time working for Pete Gillen, as a guy who could recruit New York City.” He feels that led to the Manhattan job and on to Seton Hall. “You’ve got to recruit the New York City area at Seton Hall.”
4. On The Big East, Starting Next Season, Allowing All 16 Teams Into Its Postseason Tournament: “It’s good. Right now, you have 6 teams fighting for 2 spots.” He feels the 12 team tournament has been “ultimately, bad for coaches” (due to the pressure heaped on those who fail to qualify) and unfair to players who don’t get the experience of playing in the tournament at Madison Square Garden.
5. His Prediction On Big East NCAA Bids This Season: “Seven, one more than last season.” He did caution that the 18 game league schedule may make it tougher on bubble teams to accumulate wins.
6. On The NCAA’S 20 Hour Rule: “I don’t like the 20 hour rule. We shouldn’t go crazy, because the kids have to eat, sleep, go to class… but 30 hours seems better to me.”
7. On The Pitfalls Of Limited Contact With Recruits: “You’re trying to get to know kids. You’re asking your school to make a $150,000 decision(a scholarship).” The fact that players are recruited at earlier and earlier ages results in problems, like transfers and unhappy players. “You don’t have time to get to know a kid. You’re taking a chance.”
8. On The Movement Of The Three Point Line Next Season: “I kind of feel like if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” Coach Gonzalez did say it might “help offensive spacing” by moving shooters back a step.
9. On The Biggest Crisis Facing College Basketball: Coach Gonzalez identified academic issues, NCAA reforms, and the “big business” element of college sports as major issues facing college hoops. Number one, however, was the “pressure to win.” He cited how that led to the shortage of coaches having long tenures with one school, thus not having time to implement their program. It’s become a situation where “if you don’t win by your third year, you’re probably going to be gone.”
10. Are You Happy With The Progress Of Your Program Two Years Into Your Tenure? “Definitely.” Coach Gonzalez mentioned that he’s seeing the kind of fan “excitement” the program needs. “We’re a little banged up.” He said the addition of Eugene Harvey last season got the ball rolling. “We’ve got some huge games left this season.”

We’ll be back soon with another edition of the VN Interview.

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