ForumsThis edition of the VN Interview is one of my personal favorites. Charlie Spoonhour is one of the finest gentlemen in the game, as well as one of the sport’s sharpest observers. Thanks to UNLV SID Andy Grossman for helping facilitate the interview. Hope you enjoy.
1. On The MVC Finalists: Drake-”People spent all winter trying to figure out how they were doing it.” Coach Spoonhour stated that the Bulldogs have “better athletes”, especially on the perimeter, than most people assume.
Illinois State-”I hope they get in. 2 1/2 months of good work shouldn’t be wiped out by a bad game in the final.” He was effusive in his praise of Tim Jankovich and Osiris Eldridge.
2. Top National Contenders: “Tennessee, Memphis, North Carolina, Duke, UCLA, Texas, and Kansas.” Coach Spoonhour said he has seen Tennessee “4 or 5 times” and is really impressed that they “play really hard and together.”
3. College Basketball’s Major Crisis: “Don’t know that there is one. The game is as popular and well received as it has ever been.” He did say that the lack of fundamentals and teams not taking care of the ball is a problem.
4. On The Longer Three Point Line Next Season: “I’ll be interested to see its impact.” Coach Spoonhour then went on to say that the deeper line won’t clean up post play, because only officials calling fouls for overly physical play can really do that.
5. Sleepers: “USC, BYU, and UNLV.” He mentioned that Tim Floyd “prepares as well as any coach in the country.”
6. Jay Spoonhour: “He’s doing well. He’s helping Brooks Thompson at Texas-San Antonio.” Coach Spoonhour stated that he hopes Jay gets a shot as a head coach soon.
7. On Missouri State Firing Barry Hinson: “I feel bad about it. Barry Hinson did a good job and did it the right way.” He did state that he understands the mentality underlying Missouri State making the change. He called it the “Gonzaga Syndrome.”
8. On Seeing UNLV Getting Back To Prominence: “Lon has done a great job. The interest is back. He’s been really gracious in getting Tark and I involved in some things. It makes me feel good.”
9. On His Good Friend, Bob Huggins: “It’s about competition with him. He liked his kids(at West Virginia) from the start.” He went on to mention that Huggins is one of the best at “finding ways to win.”
10. Who Will Win The NL Central(Coach Spoonhour is one of the world’s biggest Cardinal fans): “I’m going to hold my pick in abeyance. I’m heading down to spring training soon. The Cardinals will certainly not be favored.” He went on to say the Cubs have the most talent and the Brewers have to prove they can play with expectations.
Another VN Interview will be coming soon.
