This edition of the VN Interview takes us to the City of Brotherly Love. Drexel Coach Bruiser Flint, now in his seventh season with the Dragons, recently recorded his 200th career victory. Thanks to Coach Flint for his participation and to Mike Tuberosa for his invaluable help in coordinating the interview. Hope you enjoy.

1. VN-How would you assess your team’s progress to this point in the season?
Coach Flint-”We’re playing a little better. We’ve shot the ball poorly.” Coach Flint stated that his team’s “inconsistency” can be attributed to so many “new faces” playing significant minutes. He also mentioned that turnovers were a problem early in the year, but that has “improved.”
2. VN-What are the biggest challenges you face at Drexel?
Coach Flint-”Facilites.” “We also have fairly tough academics.” Coach Flint further emphasized that in Philadelphia, he usually has 3 or 4 D-I schools to compete with for a given recruit, as well as any schools that pursue a prospect from outside the city.
3. VN-Is there any added pressure coaching in your hometown?
Coach Flint-”It’s actually pretty easy.” He explained how the professional teams and the large number of D-I teams serves to keep the pressure from focusing on one particular team or coach. “The presssure comes from, as you see success with the other teams, you want to keep up”
4. VN-What is the biggest crisis facing college basketball?
Coach Flint-”With so many schools, it’s tough to get into postseason play.” “If schools don’t have realistic expectations, lots of guys get fired.” Coach Flint discussed how schools need to have a sense of “who we are and who we are not.”
5. VN-Why do you think college basketball thrives in Philadelphia?
Coach Flint-”Six D-I schools and rich tradition.” He mentioned how “the Big 5 created built in rivalries.” Further, Coach Flint stated how people “grow up watching” college hoops in Philadelphia and how the city’s media takes pride in basketball and follows its teams.
6. VN-Has the CAA’s recent NCAA Tournament success helped the league as a whole?
Coach Flint-”No question. Recruits used to ask “Who’s in your league?” Now they know. With our teams going to the postseason, we don’t get that question.”
7. VN-What are the toughest road venues in the CAA?
Coach Flint-”For me personally, it’s been UNC-Wilmington. We’ve taken some serious spankings there. When they’re going good, there’s no better atmosphere in the conference. VCU and ODU are also tough placed to win.”
8. VN-How much do you enjoy playing games at the Palestra?
Coach Flint-”We’ve had no great success there, but I enjoy it.” He mentioned how the buliding is “historic.” Also, Coach Flint mentioned that a lot of the city rivalries are bulit in the summer and that Drexel is the site of a lot of those pickup games.
9. VN-What are your thoughts on the three point line being moved back next season?
Coach Flint-”I’ve coached in International competition, so I’d say (moving the line back) is not much of a difference. Shooters are going to still take their shots. One change that may happen is that defensively, you’ll see teams try more zone to force the longer shot.”
10. VN-Who do you see as the favorites in the CAA race?
Coach Flint-”VCU, they’ve been the most consistent team. Most teams in the league have been up and down. Delware has been a surprise. George Mason also has to be considered, because they have the most experience.”

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