Hey wan to welcome in.

Hey wan to welcome in.

I'm Doug Gottlie.

I'm Doug Gottlie.

This is all Ball.

This is all Ball.

We got a great all ball for you, a guy who I have respected for years for the job that he's done now at two locations in a Chris Wright will be my guest. He's the head coach at Langston University. Langston, of course is in HBCU. They also are in Naia and what he has done with that program is truly truly remarkable. Check it in to you, Check it in with you. A week two of being Individual one men's head basketball coach, and I'll keep sharing some of these stories, but it's really fascinating, you know, as you get deeper and deeper into recruiting, even during this kind of a shortened period of time because we got the job in the middle of May, you just kind of start to figure out the landscape which most of us already knew how it existed. And I would say that while some would complain about agents, my dealings with the agents has been great. They've actually been really really good in terms of locking in on zoom times and general planning and being professional and giving you a real sense of where the kid is in decision making. The high school coaches are still important. The junior college coaches are the or the au coaches are still very very important in terms of connecting with the player. I would say the one issue which has always been an issue in college basketball and professional basketball has been kind of the guy that's the he's not the agent and he's not the coach, and he's just kind of in the middle. And sometimes that guy, not always, can be a bad actor and can lead you to believe that it's one thing when it's something else. But outside of that, I mean to be a totally candid with you, it's still, you know, a chance a play, style of play. Location plays a little bit of factor. Hey, coach, can we win? Do we have twenty four hour access to the gym? Apparently this is an issue at some places, it's not where I coach. But outside of that, it has not nearly been everyone with their hands out the way I think the world perceives it to be. But some of that is obviously you're the What players are getting for me is opportunity, a chance to play, and a chance to play what I think is going to be a very player friendly system and a boy which the ball moves.

We got a great all ball for you, a guy who I have respected for years for the job that he's done now at two locations in a Chris Wright will be my guest. He's the head coach at Langston University. Langston, of course is in HBCU. They also are in Naia and what he has done with that program is truly truly remarkable. Check it in to you, Check it in with you. A week two of being Individual one men's head basketball coach, and I'll keep sharing some of these stories, but it's really fascinating, you know, as you get deeper and deeper into recruiting, even during this kind of a shortened period of time because we got the job in the middle of May, you just kind of start to figure out the landscape which most of us already knew how it existed. And I would say that while some would complain about agents, my dealings with the agents has been great. They've actually been really really good in terms of locking in on zoom times and general planning and being professional and giving you a real sense of where the kid is in decision making. The high school coaches are still important. The junior college coaches are the or the au coaches are still very very important in terms of connecting with the player. I would say the one issue which has always been an issue in college basketball and professional basketball has been kind of the guy that's the he's not the agent and he's not the coach, and he's just kind of in the middle. And sometimes that guy, not always, can be a bad actor and can lead you to believe that it's one thing when it's something else. But outside of that, I mean to be a totally candid with you, it's still, you know, a chance a play, style of play. Location plays a little bit of factor. Hey, coach, can we win? Do we have twenty four hour access to the gym? Apparently this is an issue at some places, it's not where I coach. But outside of that, it has not nearly been everyone with their hands out the way I think the world perceives it to be. But some of that is obviously you're the What players are getting for me is opportunity, a chance to play, and a chance to play what I think is going to be a very player friendly system and a boy which the ball moves.

But we also score a lot of points.

But we also score a lot of points.

The point is, though, that while everyone has tried to talk me off of this hill of coaching in college basketball, I'm a couple of weeks in and I'm loving every second of it. Obviously, with the NBA Finals upcoming, I'm just going to tell you preliminarily, I think the Dallas Mavericks is going to win. They have better im protection, and they have a better best player who's also onechampionships before. And while you know America may not value European championship or a FOBA championship, the fact that at a young age Luca was able to carry his team and make big shots. And you look at close out games so far in the playoffs and Luca is not afraid of the big moment. Neither is Kyrie. They're not a perfect team, but I do think that their best the matchup actually favors them, whereas in other matchups it would favor the Celtics more. Perzingis could be the X factor, right because he can defend the ram Man stretch to the floor. But when you haven't played in like a month a little bit more and now you're gonna play in the NBA Finals, that seems like a stretch, just does. So I'm gonna take the Mavericks. We'll say Mavericks in six six. All right, let's welcome in our guest. He's the head coach of Langston University at to All Americans this year. He's an amazing job considering you know, I've been around Langston for twenty five years or so, and it was a nondescript basketball program until now Here's the reason why I'm fascinated, coach, by how you've built this thing. And I'm fascinated because, you know, Langston is a place that I know really, really well, obviously, not just my time in Okland State, my time in Oklahoma and you know here it is. It's like when you talk about historically black college and universities, it's it's not one that I think people mention often take me through how you how you got the job?

The point is, though, that while everyone has tried to talk me off of this hill of coaching in college basketball, I'm a couple of weeks in and I'm loving every second of it. Obviously, with the NBA Finals upcoming, I'm just going to tell you preliminarily, I think the Dallas Mavericks is going to win. They have better im protection, and they have a better best player who's also onechampionships before. And while you know America may not value European championship or a FOBA championship, the fact that at a young age Luca was able to carry his team and make big shots. And you look at close out games so far in the playoffs and Luca is not afraid of the big moment. Neither is Kyrie. They're not a perfect team, but I do think that their best the matchup actually favors them, whereas in other matchups it would favor the Celtics more. Perzingis could be the X factor, right because he can defend the ram Man stretch to the floor. But when you haven't played in like a month a little bit more and now you're gonna play in the NBA Finals, that seems like a stretch, just does. So I'm gonna take the Mavericks. We'll say Mavericks in six six. All right, let's welcome in our guest. He's the head coach of Langston University at to All Americans this year. He's an amazing job considering you know, I've been around Langston for twenty five years or so, and it was a nondescript basketball program until now Here's the reason why I'm fascinated, coach, by how you've built this thing. And I'm fascinated because, you know, Langston is a place that I know really, really well, obviously, not just my time in Okland State, my time in Oklahoma and you know here it is. It's like when you talk about historically black college and universities, it's it's not one that I think people mention often take me through how you how you got the job?

So crazy story.

So crazy story.

So I was at another HBCU in Alabama, Talladega College.

So I was at another HBCU in Alabama, Talladega College.

So we were there for four years.

So we were there for four years.

In our last season there, you know, we make it to the NAI National Championship and and lose there, and our president along along the way that last year, decided to retire and so ever after the season and Tallade just talking about cutting our scholarships and you know, we we had really no desire to my wife and I to leave Dega and uh, you know, so man, I throw my stuff into Langston, thinking, right, I don't know anyone there, but let's just see kind of what happens. And you know, even if i'm you know, kind of you know, do get some feedback. I don't know if it's a job that I want. And so, you know, I send my stuff in about two am. The next morning, I wake up with about five miss calls from from the search firm they were using, and so I think I zoomed a day later. And our president at the time, doctor kin Smith, just really wanted to win. And so you know, I go interview there and still not sure if you know, if it's a job that I'm interested in or not. I'm supposed to have dinner with him for about an hour and a half and we end up talking for about six hours. And you know, he really made it a great job, and you know, it's it's kind of a god thing how it worked out.

In our last season there, you know, we make it to the NAI National Championship and and lose there, and our president along along the way that last year, decided to retire and so ever after the season and Tallade just talking about cutting our scholarships and you know, we we had really no desire to my wife and I to leave Dega and uh, you know, so man, I throw my stuff into Langston, thinking, right, I don't know anyone there, but let's just see kind of what happens. And you know, even if i'm you know, kind of you know, do get some feedback. I don't know if it's a job that I want. And so, you know, I send my stuff in about two am. The next morning, I wake up with about five miss calls from from the search firm they were using, and so I think I zoomed a day later. And our president at the time, doctor kin Smith, just really wanted to win. And so you know, I go interview there and still not sure if you know, if it's a job that I'm interested in or not. I'm supposed to have dinner with him for about an hour and a half and we end up talking for about six hours. And you know, he really made it a great job, and you know, it's it's kind of a god thing how it worked out.

What's it like be a white coach at an HPCU.

What's it like be a white coach at an HPCU.

You know, Doug, I get asked that a lot, And uh, I guess because it's six years now, right that we've been in an HBCU, Like it's very second nature to me, right like now, like you almost don't think anything of it. But yeah, I mean I definitely think there are right some challenges that come with that, right especially you know when I was at Talladega playing in that league that was all HBCUs. Like I probably wasn't the most well liked guy in the league for sure.

You know, Doug, I get asked that a lot, And uh, I guess because it's six years now, right that we've been in an HBCU, Like it's very second nature to me, right like now, like you almost don't think anything of it. But yeah, I mean I definitely think there are right some challenges that come with that, right especially you know when I was at Talladega playing in that league that was all HBCUs. Like I probably wasn't the most well liked guy in the league for sure.

It's interesting though, because my dad used to tell me. He always said, like, you know, you go you know you're white, how you go into it, Like you you're up in New York, You go into all black part town and you play ball like you play the right way. You treat people with respect, like they will just because you came to their their town, their city, just because you came to their gym. The love you get is a real thing. And I remember I lived in Oklahoma City on thirty sixth Street Edgemere Park and there's a it's a boys and girls club. And since we've been redone, they did a really nice job with it. But they used to play like on Wednesday nights, and I just I just started in media, and I was working at the sports amble in Oklhom City and doing ESPN games, and I went to play and I brought my wife and the wife with me, and she had never she grew up in drum right, like she had no problem with like, you know, she around diversity whatever. But it was definitely her first time when she was the only white person in a gym. And you know, by the end of the night, you know, she's got five or six other girlfriends and wives whatever around and we're a bunch of playing a dope ball and we just hung out afterwards and then like we all went out and had a drink at a bar or whatever. But it is interesting that there'll always be some people that push back, but overwhelmingly, and I'm sure you've experienced this, overwhelmingly, it's just about being treated normal, you know, like there's you know what I mean, And because of it, I feel like there's there's you get a ton of kind of love and praise.

It's interesting though, because my dad used to tell me. He always said, like, you know, you go you know you're white, how you go into it, Like you you're up in New York, You go into all black part town and you play ball like you play the right way. You treat people with respect, like they will just because you came to their their town, their city, just because you came to their gym. The love you get is a real thing. And I remember I lived in Oklahoma City on thirty sixth Street Edgemere Park and there's a it's a boys and girls club. And since we've been redone, they did a really nice job with it. But they used to play like on Wednesday nights, and I just I just started in media, and I was working at the sports amble in Oklhom City and doing ESPN games, and I went to play and I brought my wife and the wife with me, and she had never she grew up in drum right, like she had no problem with like, you know, she around diversity whatever. But it was definitely her first time when she was the only white person in a gym. And you know, by the end of the night, you know, she's got five or six other girlfriends and wives whatever around and we're a bunch of playing a dope ball and we just hung out afterwards and then like we all went out and had a drink at a bar or whatever. But it is interesting that there'll always be some people that push back, but overwhelmingly, and I'm sure you've experienced this, overwhelmingly, it's just about being treated normal, you know, like there's you know what I mean, And because of it, I feel like there's there's you get a ton of kind of love and praise.

I loved, you know, our six years being two different HBCUs just in it. I think I really connect with the type of guys that we have. You know, you know, obviously we get a lot of first generation college students, which I was one, and so I think there's a you know, a chance to make a great impact. But you know, it's it's funny though, like you know, even when I was hired at Langston, I know our president took a lot of heat for right for hiring another white coach.

I loved, you know, our six years being two different HBCUs just in it. I think I really connect with the type of guys that we have. You know, you know, obviously we get a lot of first generation college students, which I was one, and so I think there's a you know, a chance to make a great impact. But you know, it's it's funny though, like you know, even when I was hired at Langston, I know our president took a lot of heat for right for hiring another white coach.

And so.

And so.

But you know, I think we started off seventeen and know our first year, and you know, I feel really blessed though, because I do feel like we have a very you know, loving alumni base, you know, and for us, it's it's it's definitely home now.

But you know, I think we started off seventeen and know our first year, and you know, I feel really blessed though, because I do feel like we have a very you know, loving alumni base, you know, and for us, it's it's it's definitely home now.

Well, so what's the secret? I mean again, it's it's one thing to take over place, nothing to take over place immediately, make it a power. How'd you do it?

Well, so what's the secret? I mean again, it's it's one thing to take over place, nothing to take over place immediately, make it a power. How'd you do it?

You know, obviously gray comes down to players, right at the end of the day, Right, you don't have good players, I don't think it matters what you do. So, you know, I think we get really really good players for the n ai level. You know, last year we signed eight guys and six of them were guys that averaged eight or more points at the division one they were at. And so I think that's you know, a big part of it. And then I think, right like, culture is such a buzzword, right, I almost hesitate even saying that, But at the same time, I think our culture is very unique, you know. I mean, you know, we try to be extremely tough, extremely disciplined, and you know, our guys always end up being very, very unselfish, and so I think just the combination of having really good players and then you know, having a good players and good assistant coaches.

You know, obviously gray comes down to players, right at the end of the day, Right, you don't have good players, I don't think it matters what you do. So, you know, I think we get really really good players for the n ai level. You know, last year we signed eight guys and six of them were guys that averaged eight or more points at the division one they were at. And so I think that's you know, a big part of it. And then I think, right like, culture is such a buzzword, right, I almost hesitate even saying that, But at the same time, I think our culture is very unique, you know. I mean, you know, we try to be extremely tough, extremely disciplined, and you know, our guys always end up being very, very unselfish, and so I think just the combination of having really good players and then you know, having a good players and good assistant coaches.

So okay, so you bringing eight new players, how do you establish culture when you have that level of turn.

So okay, so you bringing eight new players, how do you establish culture when you have that level of turn.

So, you know, I joke with a lot of my guys in you know, Division one now, being a small college guy for my whole career, right like, we've kind of always recruited, how Division one is recruit now, right Like, it's a lot of turnover, you know, very very I've always been very transfer heavy. But you know, I think, you know, for us, it's just really establishing, right what the expectations are for day one and then really holding guys accountable, right whether your guy one or your guy eighteen. I always tell them you're not going to be treated equal, but everyone's going to be treated fair.

So, you know, I joke with a lot of my guys in you know, Division one now, being a small college guy for my whole career, right like, we've kind of always recruited, how Division one is recruit now, right Like, it's a lot of turnover, you know, very very I've always been very transfer heavy. But you know, I think, you know, for us, it's just really establishing, right what the expectations are for day one and then really holding guys accountable, right whether your guy one or your guy eighteen. I always tell them you're not going to be treated equal, but everyone's going to be treated fair.

And so.

And so.

It's amazing though, how close our teams always end up being and they really end up playing for one another.

It's amazing though, how close our teams always end up being and they really end up playing for one another.

Yeah, that's the big thing, right, Like they're not necessarily always going to like us as coaches, right, Like, it's not about like liking just you get true more respect. But you need to love each other, right, that's the that's the play for each other. Love each other, have each other's back. That's that's I think the magic of the secret sauce as well as having really good players. Okay, but when you bring in those guys from Division one, how do you manage their expectations? Because again this is and I can tell you kind of at my level, right, you have a guy transfers down, for example, they think they could come in and be the best player on Earth, when they don't realize that everybody else at that level thinks the exact same thing, Right, how do you manage that with all these D one guys who think, ania I'm going to come in average twenty five points game.

Yeah, that's the big thing, right, Like they're not necessarily always going to like us as coaches, right, Like, it's not about like liking just you get true more respect. But you need to love each other, right, that's the that's the play for each other. Love each other, have each other's back. That's that's I think the magic of the secret sauce as well as having really good players. Okay, but when you bring in those guys from Division one, how do you manage their expectations? Because again this is and I can tell you kind of at my level, right, you have a guy transfers down, for example, they think they could come in and be the best player on Earth, when they don't realize that everybody else at that level thinks the exact same thing, Right, how do you manage that with all these D one guys who think, ania I'm going to come in average twenty five points game.

You know, Coach Shot, I really believe you know, the way that you recruit a guy really sets the tone for how you can coach them. And so even in the recruiting process, you know, I try to be brutally honest with guys, because you're right, Like I think, right, if a Division one guy that comes down at a level and he's averaged eight ten points of the Division one level, he thinks he's going to walk in and score twenty two a night when in reality, right, that's probably not going to happen. And so just managing those expectations from the jump, and you know, again I'm honest with guys and just say, hey, look, man, we really want you.

You know, Coach Shot, I really believe you know, the way that you recruit a guy really sets the tone for how you can coach them. And so even in the recruiting process, you know, I try to be brutally honest with guys, because you're right, Like I think, right, if a Division one guy that comes down at a level and he's averaged eight ten points of the Division one level, he thinks he's going to walk in and score twenty two a night when in reality, right, that's probably not going to happen. And so just managing those expectations from the jump, and you know, again I'm honest with guys and just say, hey, look, man, we really want you.

I think you're a great fit for what we're trying to do.

I think you're a great fit for what we're trying to do.

But like I don't want you to think that you're doing us a favor by coming here, because if you don't come here, we're going to get another really really good player, whether it's you or someone else.

But like I don't want you to think that you're doing us a favor by coming here, because if you don't come here, we're going to get another really really good player, whether it's you or someone else.

What is one thing you have to do at your job that people would go like, he has to do? What?

What is one thing you have to do at your job that people would go like, he has to do? What?

Doug? I don't know if we have long enough to go through this list, man, but.

Doug? I don't know if we have long enough to go through this list, man, but.

I think just you know, so for us, you know, graduating our guys is again it's extremely extremely important.

I think just you know, so for us, you know, graduating our guys is again it's extremely extremely important.

I mean I think every coach would say that.

I mean I think every coach would say that.

But again we you know, a lot of our guys that we get are at our level for a reason, right, And a lot of times that typically tends to be academically, and so I think just the amount of babysitting and just kind of nurturing and and just walking guys to class and being sure that every assignment that they have is being done. And so I think just the hours an hour.

But again we you know, a lot of our guys that we get are at our level for a reason, right, And a lot of times that typically tends to be academically, and so I think just the amount of babysitting and just kind of nurturing and and just walking guys to class and being sure that every assignment that they have is being done. And so I think just the hours an hour.

You do that yourself. As head coach, you have to do that yourself.

You do that yourself. As head coach, you have to do that yourself.

So our assistants are great, but yeah, I'm definitely definitely part of that for sure. And so you know, in our two years here, we graduated sixteen of sixteen guys, So you know, I think that's probably our most impressive accomplishment.

So our assistants are great, but yeah, I'm definitely definitely part of that for sure. And so you know, in our two years here, we graduated sixteen of sixteen guys, So you know, I think that's probably our most impressive accomplishment.

No question, if people only knew, like what what what you did? What you would you did? You got an F because you didn't turn in an assignment that was easy. Like what all you have to do is show up? You know, I'll never forget this is a going. So my senior year, we had we called the group the Knuckleheads, So we had a big group red shirting. Victor Williams transferred to MI Illinois State. He was Missouri Valley Conference freshman the year. Uh Vic obviously has his own AU program in Kansas City. Hansom Broxy transferred and he's an assistant with the Calves. He transferred from Minnesota Dan Lawston god Rest. His soul was as a junior college All American. He was sitting out. Who else did we had?

No question, if people only knew, like what what what you did? What you would you did? You got an F because you didn't turn in an assignment that was easy. Like what all you have to do is show up? You know, I'll never forget this is a going. So my senior year, we had we called the group the Knuckleheads, So we had a big group red shirting. Victor Williams transferred to MI Illinois State. He was Missouri Valley Conference freshman the year. Uh Vic obviously has his own AU program in Kansas City. Hansom Broxy transferred and he's an assistant with the Calves. He transferred from Minnesota Dan Lawston god Rest. His soul was as a junior college All American. He was sitting out. Who else did we had?

Uh?

Uh?

Oh? We had Jason keep who as a JUCO guy from Northern Idaho junior college. You've worked on an oil rig. Uh Uh. So we ad Jason Keap train thingk. We had one more and then we had Nate Flaming also got rested, so he died in plane crash and coach had them have a Saturday history class. It was worth four hours, four hours every Saturday. And basically, like I heard him when he brought them all in and he's like, oh man, this is a basic level history class. You show up and do what you're supposed to do, you'll get a c. Put any level of h of effort in, you should get a beat. And he's like, you work your butt off, you can get an in. You get you get an a, four credits, you're in a good place. So and he was like, you miss any of these classes, brother, it's gonna be bad news. It's gonna be a bad day for all y'all. So it was every Saturday morning was like eight to in right. So I'm gonna say this was one of the first games of this season my senior year, probably the third game they played Tulsa. And because it was like back then it was like Fox Sports Southwest, the game was an eleven o'clock game. So we we don't have about like half our guys because they're in this class. So the rest of us, we, you know, we hooped some, we shoot some, we go get some some to eat, like a tailgate, and we walk in. We get in the stadium and they're already there, all except for Nate Fleming are there and we're like, what are you guys doing here? Like don't you have class? Like, oh man, the old man will never know. And I was like, really, okay, this one I got to see. So Nate Fleming comes in at like ten fifty for eleven o'clock kickoffs, Like where were you guys? He let us go early. You guys should have come b blah blah blah. So that Monday we had work. It was like a workout on like a Monday night, six o'clock and I had a test at like I'm gonna say five, So I was gonna like, so I come walking in like six ' ten and everybody else is like showered walking out. I was like, what happened? Oh, they canceled practice. They're like, but you gotta go in there and watch. Well, I gotta watch. Just just go in there. So I peek around the corner and Victor Williams is thrown up in a trash can, cry and saying he's gonna call his mom. He made him do They had to do every one of them had to do six seventeen's consecutively under a minute, and if anybody missed the time, they had to start over. And I mean, you know, you get about.

Oh? We had Jason keep who as a JUCO guy from Northern Idaho junior college. You've worked on an oil rig. Uh Uh. So we ad Jason Keap train thingk. We had one more and then we had Nate Flaming also got rested, so he died in plane crash and coach had them have a Saturday history class. It was worth four hours, four hours every Saturday. And basically, like I heard him when he brought them all in and he's like, oh man, this is a basic level history class. You show up and do what you're supposed to do, you'll get a c. Put any level of h of effort in, you should get a beat. And he's like, you work your butt off, you can get an in. You get you get an a, four credits, you're in a good place. So and he was like, you miss any of these classes, brother, it's gonna be bad news. It's gonna be a bad day for all y'all. So it was every Saturday morning was like eight to in right. So I'm gonna say this was one of the first games of this season my senior year, probably the third game they played Tulsa. And because it was like back then it was like Fox Sports Southwest, the game was an eleven o'clock game. So we we don't have about like half our guys because they're in this class. So the rest of us, we, you know, we hooped some, we shoot some, we go get some some to eat, like a tailgate, and we walk in. We get in the stadium and they're already there, all except for Nate Fleming are there and we're like, what are you guys doing here? Like don't you have class? Like, oh man, the old man will never know. And I was like, really, okay, this one I got to see. So Nate Fleming comes in at like ten fifty for eleven o'clock kickoffs, Like where were you guys? He let us go early. You guys should have come b blah blah blah. So that Monday we had work. It was like a workout on like a Monday night, six o'clock and I had a test at like I'm gonna say five, So I was gonna like, so I come walking in like six ' ten and everybody else is like showered walking out. I was like, what happened? Oh, they canceled practice. They're like, but you gotta go in there and watch. Well, I gotta watch. Just just go in there. So I peek around the corner and Victor Williams is thrown up in a trash can, cry and saying he's gonna call his mom. He made him do They had to do every one of them had to do six seventeen's consecutively under a minute, and if anybody missed the time, they had to start over. And I mean, you know, you get about.

Not a fun day.

Not a fun day.

You get to about thirteen or fourteen, and no one's making that time, and no one's particularly happy, and there's just a point of no return there. But they did it. It was It was amazing. The point is that, like, you know, all you had to do was show up. That's it. Just show up, you know, just just just show up. This is not that hard, just show up the glass. But you know, they're kids, and the thought of being a football game was too big. What is what's your league?

You get to about thirteen or fourteen, and no one's making that time, and no one's particularly happy, and there's just a point of no return there. But they did it. It was It was amazing. The point is that, like, you know, all you had to do was show up. That's it. Just show up, you know, just just just show up. This is not that hard, just show up the glass. But you know, they're kids, and the thought of being a football game was too big. What is what's your league?

Like, you know, it is a you know, very very well coached league. So the right Sooner Athletic Conference. They have traditionally been one of the better INNAI conferences in the country. I mean when you look at our league, like, you know, mac Us won the national title, Texas Wesleyans won a couple. Oklahoma City traditionally right one of the powers of the n AI and so yeah, I mean, you know, year one we came in and went twenty and two in league, and I said, man, this right, great year. I think we're going to be better next year, but there's no way we'll go twenty and two. And then this year we go twenty one in one and win the league. But they have a lot of respect for the coaches in our league. And it's just really really good level of basketball.

Like, you know, it is a you know, very very well coached league. So the right Sooner Athletic Conference. They have traditionally been one of the better INNAI conferences in the country. I mean when you look at our league, like, you know, mac Us won the national title, Texas Wesleyans won a couple. Oklahoma City traditionally right one of the powers of the n AI and so yeah, I mean, you know, year one we came in and went twenty and two in league, and I said, man, this right, great year. I think we're going to be better next year, but there's no way we'll go twenty and two. And then this year we go twenty one in one and win the league. But they have a lot of respect for the coaches in our league. And it's just really really good level of basketball.

No, it's really good basketball, really really good basketball. You mentioned the Division one transfers. It does feel like the transfer portal, the COVID year seems to have affected your level for a good thing as a good thing. But again I'm an outsider. You know, like, how has over the last six years, not just going through COVID COVID year. Uh so you have those extra year guys and the transfer portal, How's it affected the level of level play?

No, it's really good basketball, really really good basketball. You mentioned the Division one transfers. It does feel like the transfer portal, the COVID year seems to have affected your level for a good thing as a good thing. But again I'm an outsider. You know, like, how has over the last six years, not just going through COVID COVID year. Uh so you have those extra year guys and the transfer portal, How's it affected the level of level play?

You know, I think it's made the level of talent in small college basketball better, right, I think, just right, just from the share fact that there's right more players for less spots, you know. I mean I look at some teams in our league this year that finished seventh eighth place, that had five or six Division One transfers, and so yeah, I think it's it's it's helped the uh, just the overall level of play. And you know, I think there is something in today's right landscape of college basketball to just being able to be older, right, And you know, again like for us, it's kind of how we've been successful wherever we've been, just because we've had older guys that I think have went through some stuff that sometimes maybe realize they're on their last chance, you know, and realize that they kind of have to make the best of it.

You know, I think it's made the level of talent in small college basketball better, right, I think, just right, just from the share fact that there's right more players for less spots, you know. I mean I look at some teams in our league this year that finished seventh eighth place, that had five or six Division One transfers, and so yeah, I think it's it's it's helped the uh, just the overall level of play. And you know, I think there is something in today's right landscape of college basketball to just being able to be older, right, And you know, again like for us, it's kind of how we've been successful wherever we've been, just because we've had older guys that I think have went through some stuff that sometimes maybe realize they're on their last chance, you know, and realize that they kind of have to make the best of it.

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How have you change over these last six years in terms of your coaching approach offensively? For example, are you running the same stuff now you're in there? You know?

How have you change over these last six years in terms of your coaching approach offensively? For example, are you running the same stuff now you're in there? You know?

No, you know, for us, you know, offensively, something I kind I always love to tinker around with things, play around with it, and I feel like, you know, from an offensive standpoint, especially because you know, again we're trying to get as much talent as we can, and so we're going to have to change what we do system wise, maybe year in and year out on the offensive ends, you know. Defensively, I think we really pride ourselves on being one of the best defensive teams in the country. I think, you know, our two years here, we were second in the country and defensive field goal percentage and you know, gave up less than fifty eight points per game both years, and so you know, I think if you have great players offensively, you know, and you really really defend and you don't turn the ball over, you got a chance to win every game.

No, you know, for us, you know, offensively, something I kind I always love to tinker around with things, play around with it, and I feel like, you know, from an offensive standpoint, especially because you know, again we're trying to get as much talent as we can, and so we're going to have to change what we do system wise, maybe year in and year out on the offensive ends, you know. Defensively, I think we really pride ourselves on being one of the best defensive teams in the country. I think, you know, our two years here, we were second in the country and defensive field goal percentage and you know, gave up less than fifty eight points per game both years, and so you know, I think if you have great players offensively, you know, and you really really defend and you don't turn the ball over, you got a chance to win every game.

When you when you point out your defensive numbers, do you have a set style you want to play that way or do you change it more based upon your talent.

When you when you point out your defensive numbers, do you have a set style you want to play that way or do you change it more based upon your talent.

So I've been very reluctant to change what we do defensively, I think probably just because we've had, you know, a lot of success with it, and so you know, we have heavy heavy ball pressure. But we're also in the gaps. And I think just with the way that the game is called now, right, if you if you have great ball pressure, but you're trying to be on the line, up the line, right, I feel like teams are going to.

So I've been very reluctant to change what we do defensively, I think probably just because we've had, you know, a lot of success with it, and so you know, we have heavy heavy ball pressure. But we're also in the gaps. And I think just with the way that the game is called now, right, if you if you have great ball pressure, but you're trying to be on the line, up the line, right, I feel like teams are going to.

Live in the bonus. And so you know, again, we have a.

Live in the bonus. And so you know, again, we have a.

Lot of link, a lot of athleticism, and I feel like, especially at our level, we've been kind of able to just swallow a lot of teams up with that.

Lot of link, a lot of athleticism, and I feel like, especially at our level, we've been kind of able to just swallow a lot of teams up with that.

Yeah, I agree that in the gaps and being active more so than and up the line, but it's not you're not playing pack line where uh you know, I think temple wise, that could affect the offense as well, and it doesn't. It doesn't necessarily serve you to play that way, especially with with the athletes that you have. You know, my brother was a standing a state with the men. In one year he spent the off season kind of doing a deed dive on on pack line. And this is before really they took off. Was when they first started and they try to implement and the idea was like, hey, here we have all this great length and athleticism, what if what would pack line look like? You know, there'd be no space in the lane and just didn't work for him. You know, part of it was they hadn't really all coached it before, so as you know, when you coach something new, you're learning kind of as you go. But the other, the other part to it is that it just didn't didn't work for that type of athlete how they'd always played, and it was it was too big a learning curve, I think, to even to even get to. But I find that stuff fascinating to see the evolution of the sport. You know, the example I always give is, you know, everybody runs the ballscreen continuity on some level, and then you know, finally, I finally seen this year people doing what I like to do, which is like, right, yeah, you come in the middle, but you can also flip it and go to the baseline and use different kind of quadrants of the court. And the angles are different, the ball screens are different, the roles are different. But it's part of what makes basketball different now is now that that weak side corner is such a money spot that you know, twenty five thirty years ago, I drive and draw and kick the weakside corner. Now defenses are set to play that, so you have to have, you know, other answers for the problems. But that's the part that really kind of stimulates your brain in terms of the coaching, at least for me. I don't know about you.

Yeah, I agree that in the gaps and being active more so than and up the line, but it's not you're not playing pack line where uh you know, I think temple wise, that could affect the offense as well, and it doesn't. It doesn't necessarily serve you to play that way, especially with with the athletes that you have. You know, my brother was a standing a state with the men. In one year he spent the off season kind of doing a deed dive on on pack line. And this is before really they took off. Was when they first started and they try to implement and the idea was like, hey, here we have all this great length and athleticism, what if what would pack line look like? You know, there'd be no space in the lane and just didn't work for him. You know, part of it was they hadn't really all coached it before, so as you know, when you coach something new, you're learning kind of as you go. But the other, the other part to it is that it just didn't didn't work for that type of athlete how they'd always played, and it was it was too big a learning curve, I think, to even to even get to. But I find that stuff fascinating to see the evolution of the sport. You know, the example I always give is, you know, everybody runs the ballscreen continuity on some level, and then you know, finally, I finally seen this year people doing what I like to do, which is like, right, yeah, you come in the middle, but you can also flip it and go to the baseline and use different kind of quadrants of the court. And the angles are different, the ball screens are different, the roles are different. But it's part of what makes basketball different now is now that that weak side corner is such a money spot that you know, twenty five thirty years ago, I drive and draw and kick the weakside corner. Now defenses are set to play that, so you have to have, you know, other answers for the problems. But that's the part that really kind of stimulates your brain in terms of the coaching, at least for me. I don't know about you.

Yeah, for sure. It is fascinating to look at. So this was I guess you're twenty two for me in college basketball. And so to look back when I first started coaching to now, I mean, it's it's nine to day difference, right as far as like I felt like when I was when I was growing up and I started coaching, I mean, how many true motion teams?

Yeah, for sure. It is fascinating to look at. So this was I guess you're twenty two for me in college basketball. And so to look back when I first started coaching to now, I mean, it's it's nine to day difference, right as far as like I felt like when I was when I was growing up and I started coaching, I mean, how many true motion teams?

Did you see?

Did you see?

A lot?

A lot?

A lot, right, And it's like nowadays it's it's a rarity to see a team that's a true motion team.

A lot, right, And it's like nowadays it's it's a rarity to see a team that's a true motion team.

Yeah yeah, there's nobody. There's there's nobody runs nobody runs motion. It just doesn't exist. And you wonder, you know, I use football as an example, right, So the zone read stuff. If you ask football guys, they'll tell you, like, that's just theer, that's just triple option football. The only thing that's changed is outside the numbers, you have the ability to throw the football. And part of it is the rule change where you know, now you can actually go about three and a half four yards down the field blocking, so you can't tell the RPO is, you can't tell if it's runner pass. So you have, yeah, basically option football, okay, with the ability to throw it, and then it's hard to read based on the blocking because they can go further down the field. Right. So that's but the idea is, you know the old wishbone that Oklahoma used to run, you know, back in the eighties when when coach Switcher was there, like it still exists. It just looks very different now, but it's really the same offense, right right, Okay, So the question becomes does the motion offense ever return?

Yeah yeah, there's nobody. There's there's nobody runs nobody runs motion. It just doesn't exist. And you wonder, you know, I use football as an example, right, So the zone read stuff. If you ask football guys, they'll tell you, like, that's just theer, that's just triple option football. The only thing that's changed is outside the numbers, you have the ability to throw the football. And part of it is the rule change where you know, now you can actually go about three and a half four yards down the field blocking, so you can't tell the RPO is, you can't tell if it's runner pass. So you have, yeah, basically option football, okay, with the ability to throw it, and then it's hard to read based on the blocking because they can go further down the field. Right. So that's but the idea is, you know the old wishbone that Oklahoma used to run, you know, back in the eighties when when coach Switcher was there, like it still exists. It just looks very different now, but it's really the same offense, right right, Okay, So the question becomes does the motion offense ever return?

Man, I would say probably not, right, I mean just when you think again when you mentioned ball screens and just right, I mean again, twenty years ago in college basketball, there wasn't near as many ball screens as you see now, right, And so I would love to see a stat on what like ball screens purpossession now versus ride in the early two thousands, like what that would look like.

Man, I would say probably not, right, I mean just when you think again when you mentioned ball screens and just right, I mean again, twenty years ago in college basketball, there wasn't near as many ball screens as you see now, right, And so I would love to see a stat on what like ball screens purpossession now versus ride in the early two thousands, like what that would look like.

But yeah, it's a fascinating question though.

But yeah, it's a fascinating question though.

Coach, Yeah, I think it's interesting. Right, Like the Warriors, since kurtr has been there, they've had like league lows in ball screens because you have Steph who's just as good off the ball as he is on the ball, maybe even better off the ball than he is on the ball. So does it come down to personnel wise? And then then the big thing is you're you'd have to teach your team how to play within emotion offense. None of them played it growing up, right, they all just I mean, one of the reasons I want to play five out is honestly, even though they don't necessarily do anything out of it. In AU ball, that's how most AU teams play is five out or then into a high ball screen. So you can kind of play to their strengths. You do, you have to teach them what specifically cuts and reads you have, but the general premise of spacing they actually know pretty well. And then some of the reasons I think they know better because like kids don't play as much, but they do work out probably more so they're doing stuff one on cone, so they know where it's supposed to be. Now you just got to kind of put the chess pieces in place so that they can go and and and they can make those libraries in the game. But I think that the death of the motion offense and will it ever be brought back to life. That's a fascinating question. I just don't. I don't know anybody who has the time or can keep their team together. I mean maybe like a Matt Painter and they run some sort of motion, you know, and then you know, Virginia runs some block remover, but not a lot. I just I remember every you know, we used to call passing game too for his motions. Passing game. So you can do passing cut or passing the screen away, you can do two side motion. There's a lot of ones, but generally nobody runs it. It's crazy, the death of the motion offense. And I wonder if it comes back.

Coach, Yeah, I think it's interesting. Right, Like the Warriors, since kurtr has been there, they've had like league lows in ball screens because you have Steph who's just as good off the ball as he is on the ball, maybe even better off the ball than he is on the ball. So does it come down to personnel wise? And then then the big thing is you're you'd have to teach your team how to play within emotion offense. None of them played it growing up, right, they all just I mean, one of the reasons I want to play five out is honestly, even though they don't necessarily do anything out of it. In AU ball, that's how most AU teams play is five out or then into a high ball screen. So you can kind of play to their strengths. You do, you have to teach them what specifically cuts and reads you have, but the general premise of spacing they actually know pretty well. And then some of the reasons I think they know better because like kids don't play as much, but they do work out probably more so they're doing stuff one on cone, so they know where it's supposed to be. Now you just got to kind of put the chess pieces in place so that they can go and and and they can make those libraries in the game. But I think that the death of the motion offense and will it ever be brought back to life. That's a fascinating question. I just don't. I don't know anybody who has the time or can keep their team together. I mean maybe like a Matt Painter and they run some sort of motion, you know, and then you know, Virginia runs some block remover, but not a lot. I just I remember every you know, we used to call passing game too for his motions. Passing game. So you can do passing cut or passing the screen away, you can do two side motion. There's a lot of ones, but generally nobody runs it. It's crazy, the death of the motion offense. And I wonder if it comes back.

Yeah, and I think too, like when you make a great point, like I know, for me, the hardest thing for me to get our guys to do is to screen like in anything right, like ball screens, down screens, just because growing up now kids aren't taught to screen right. It's and I think that is kind of problematic, right if you if you look at trying to run something with a lot of motion principles.

Yeah, and I think too, like when you make a great point, like I know, for me, the hardest thing for me to get our guys to do is to screen like in anything right, like ball screens, down screens, just because growing up now kids aren't taught to screen right. It's and I think that is kind of problematic, right if you if you look at trying to run something with a lot of motion principles.

What's the goal for you? What's if you close your eyes and say, coach, what do you want what do you what's your goal in coaching to be?

What's the goal for you? What's if you close your eyes and say, coach, what do you want what do you what's your goal in coaching to be?

You know, so I've known that I wanted to be a college basketball coach since I was right since I was like fourteen years old, but I didn't didn't play college basketball, got recruited by some Division iiies, you know.

You know, so I've known that I wanted to be a college basketball coach since I was right since I was like fourteen years old, but I didn't didn't play college basketball, got recruited by some Division iiies, you know.

Unfortunately it wasn't.

Unfortunately it wasn't.

A high demand for an unathletic white guy that just shoots it, okay, right, so uh you know, so when I was growing up, right, my goal was just to be a college basketball coach. And then now getting to this point, obviously right to we've been so close to winning the national title at Talladega in here, and I, you know, more than anything, right, I want to win a national championship.

A high demand for an unathletic white guy that just shoots it, okay, right, so uh you know, so when I was growing up, right, my goal was just to be a college basketball coach. And then now getting to this point, obviously right to we've been so close to winning the national title at Talladega in here, and I, you know, more than anything, right, I want to win a national championship.

You know.

You know.

If I had some great opportunities to go to the Division IE level, that just maybe hasn't been the right for us, for you know, for my wife and I. But coach, I don't know, man, I don't know what God has in store. But exud mean, I love being at Langston. And you know, if you'd have told me twenty years ago that this is the life I would have, man, I wouldn't. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

If I had some great opportunities to go to the Division IE level, that just maybe hasn't been the right for us, for you know, for my wife and I. But coach, I don't know, man, I don't know what God has in store. But exud mean, I love being at Langston. And you know, if you'd have told me twenty years ago that this is the life I would have, man, I wouldn't. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Well, what do you have to be better at to a national championship personally, you know, I.

Well, what do you have to be better at to a national championship personally, you know, I.

Think we spend so much time and our identities based so much off what we do defensively. You know that our offense struggles sometimes, you know. I mean when you look at the numbers, you wouldn't see that. I mean, we averaged about eighty three points a game and shot close to fifty percent from the field.

Think we spend so much time and our identities based so much off what we do defensively. You know that our offense struggles sometimes, you know. I mean when you look at the numbers, you wouldn't see that. I mean, we averaged about eighty three points a game and shot close to fifty percent from the field.

And but you.

And but you.

Know, I think there's some times our offense becomes a little stagnant. You know, we run a ton of sets. I'm really big, and trying to get the ball to our best players and in their spots and playing off them.

Know, I think there's some times our offense becomes a little stagnant. You know, we run a ton of sets. I'm really big, and trying to get the ball to our best players and in their spots and playing off them.

But man, I know we can get better, you know, in that aspect.

But man, I know we can get better, you know, in that aspect.

Yeah, I think it's interesting, you know that there's just so many little things that get uncovered when you get to that very very top level of play, and then you're like, oh God, we should have done that, man, should have done that. But then there's no game. You gotta you gotta wait, you know, eight months before you play your player, your your next game. Why do you think it's so difficult to climb from the NAIA to the Division one head coaching ladder? It really, it really feels. I mean, look, Ben McCollum was at D two killing it forever. I mean just now now some of it was he was a little choosy because I think there were some other opportunities could have had. But any ia, like, you just don't see that level of jump. And it is college basketball. You are, you know, you are in the transfer portal, you are recruiting, you're putting together. You're actually doing a lot more than the manual labor than the big boys do. Why do you think it's difficult to make that jump? You know?

Yeah, I think it's interesting, you know that there's just so many little things that get uncovered when you get to that very very top level of play, and then you're like, oh God, we should have done that, man, should have done that. But then there's no game. You gotta you gotta wait, you know, eight months before you play your player, your your next game. Why do you think it's so difficult to climb from the NAIA to the Division one head coaching ladder? It really, it really feels. I mean, look, Ben McCollum was at D two killing it forever. I mean just now now some of it was he was a little choosy because I think there were some other opportunities could have had. But any ia, like, you just don't see that level of jump. And it is college basketball. You are, you know, you are in the transfer portal, you are recruiting, you're putting together. You're actually doing a lot more than the manual labor than the big boys do. Why do you think it's difficult to make that jump? You know?

I think a couple of things.

I think a couple of things.

Like one, I think when look like thirty years ago, right, I mean if you look at the number of junior college coaches that became Division one head coaches, right, that was a common occurrence. And now I feel like levels are so much more kind of.

Like one, I think when look like thirty years ago, right, I mean if you look at the number of junior college coaches that became Division one head coaches, right, that was a common occurrence. And now I feel like levels are so much more kind of.

Installated, you know. I think you know, searge firms play a big role in that.

Installated, you know. I think you know, searge firms play a big role in that.

Right, Like, and if if you're any Division one school and you go hiring an AI coach and you're you're not winning the press conference, right, it's.

Right, Like, and if if you're any Division one school and you go hiring an AI coach and you're you're not winning the press conference, right, it's.

Not necessarily a sexy higher you know.

Not necessarily a sexy higher you know.

And two, I think you know, the NAI maybe doesn't get credit for you know, the especially the top of the NAI is really really good basketball. You know, I think a lot of people have a perception like it's just the wild wild West, that academics are just awful. And you know, I don't think people realize like how similar INNAI and Division two really are, you know, I mean, especially academically, there's not there's not much differences between the two levels.

And two, I think you know, the NAI maybe doesn't get credit for you know, the especially the top of the NAI is really really good basketball. You know, I think a lot of people have a perception like it's just the wild wild West, that academics are just awful. And you know, I don't think people realize like how similar INNAI and Division two really are, you know, I mean, especially academically, there's not there's not much differences between the two levels.

Yeah, it's I think the big thing is that, uh And I credit Josh Boon when he hired me. And I'm sure you know your president, your ad as well, which is you know a lot of guys are in those positions are just risk averse, right, just risk averse. Oh, I don't know. You'd rather hire a guy who sat on somebody's bench and you don't. And they called you about him, they told you how Grady was, but you have no real where It's like you're actually coaching, doing the you know, the dirty work that at Division I level assistanms most times do and building it and building consistent winner. You know. So it's that part of it. And I'm not being critical of I'm not being critical of athletic director. We're painting what I say was a real picture, like the real picture is like, look, it's hard to take a risk. You don't know where that guy is in his contract, what his relationship with the president is. You know, every school has some you know, different marching orders. But it is interesting that, you know, ANAIA as as many good coaches that have come from there, just don't see them going from an I an A I A head coach to Division I head coach very often.

Yeah, it's I think the big thing is that, uh And I credit Josh Boon when he hired me. And I'm sure you know your president, your ad as well, which is you know a lot of guys are in those positions are just risk averse, right, just risk averse. Oh, I don't know. You'd rather hire a guy who sat on somebody's bench and you don't. And they called you about him, they told you how Grady was, but you have no real where It's like you're actually coaching, doing the you know, the dirty work that at Division I level assistanms most times do and building it and building consistent winner. You know. So it's that part of it. And I'm not being critical of I'm not being critical of athletic director. We're painting what I say was a real picture, like the real picture is like, look, it's hard to take a risk. You don't know where that guy is in his contract, what his relationship with the president is. You know, every school has some you know, different marching orders. But it is interesting that, you know, ANAIA as as many good coaches that have come from there, just don't see them going from an I an A I A head coach to Division I head coach very often.

Yeah, it is, it's I think it is a rarity.

Yeah, it is, it's I think it is a rarity.

And you know, I think when you look at some guys that that have come from the NAI, it really makes you right being at this level, makes you root for their success, like, you know, like this year for instance, I know Craig Doughty was hired at Houston Christian.

And you know, I think when you look at some guys that that have come from the NAI, it really makes you right being at this level, makes you root for their success, like, you know, like this year for instance, I know Craig Doughty was hired at Houston Christian.

You know he won a championship Graceland.

You know he won a championship Graceland.

I mean you look at guys like Ray Harper right Jacksonville State. Uh, I mean he won a few national titles at Oklahoma City. So yeah, I think there are some examples, but yeah, you're right, there are definitely few and far between.

I mean you look at guys like Ray Harper right Jacksonville State. Uh, I mean he won a few national titles at Oklahoma City. So yeah, I think there are some examples, but yeah, you're right, there are definitely few and far between.

Yeah, No, it's it's it's interesting. If you could change one thing about how you do business, you can change one thing about college basketball from the ni A perspective I put you in charge, what would be you know?

Yeah, No, it's it's it's interesting. If you could change one thing about how you do business, you can change one thing about college basketball from the ni A perspective I put you in charge, what would be you know?

I think.

I think.

So for instance, for us, you know, we always could play thirty regular season games, and then two years ago that got shrunk down to twenty eight, again more compatible to NCAA Division two, And so I would really try to keep our identity at the NAI level, like right, Like I think it needs to be different just because you don't have the maybe the name recognition of being at an NCAAA school. So like, why would we cut games from thirty to twenty eight? Or you know, four years ago NAI to one in Division two merged in men's basketball, so now it's just one division, and so scholarships went from eleven scholarships to eight, right, and so like those are some changes that I don't necessarily think, you know, are good for.

So for instance, for us, you know, we always could play thirty regular season games, and then two years ago that got shrunk down to twenty eight, again more compatible to NCAA Division two, And so I would really try to keep our identity at the NAI level, like right, Like I think it needs to be different just because you don't have the maybe the name recognition of being at an NCAAA school. So like, why would we cut games from thirty to twenty eight? Or you know, four years ago NAI to one in Division two merged in men's basketball, so now it's just one division, and so scholarships went from eleven scholarships to eight, right, and so like those are some changes that I don't necessarily think, you know, are good for.

Our level.

Our level.

Even today. Who do you look up to? Intention?

Even today. Who do you look up to? Intention?

You know, my mentor is a guy named Jim Siah coached it, you know, it was a top assistant UCLA for eight years and then was the interim head coach at USC And man, I was really fortunate to learn from from coach. I was young guy, twenty four years old, and man, I'm sitting in his office the first thing he says.

You know, my mentor is a guy named Jim Siah coached it, you know, it was a top assistant UCLA for eight years and then was the interim head coach at USC And man, I was really fortunate to learn from from coach. I was young guy, twenty four years old, and man, I'm sitting in his office the first thing he says.

Coach, he says, Man, he said, let me help you.

Coach, he says, Man, he said, let me help you.

He said, if you, you know, want to make it in this profession, be able to recruit.

He said, if you, you know, want to make it in this profession, be able to recruit.

He says. If you if you can get players, you'll always have a job. Right, So that's always uh right.

He says. If you if you can get players, you'll always have a job. Right, So that's always uh right.

Really really stuck with me. But you know, when you look at him, man, he is just man, a great human being. I think he does things the right way, man, cares about people, and so yeah, I think being able to learn from him really changed the whole trajector me in my you know, my career.

Really really stuck with me. But you know, when you look at him, man, he is just man, a great human being. I think he does things the right way, man, cares about people, and so yeah, I think being able to learn from him really changed the whole trajector me in my you know, my career.

Every time. Jimmy Side is a great dude. He's a really really I did not expect that to be the name, that to be the answer. Give me a player who you feel like going through the process of playing for you, go into one of your schools has forever changed them for the better. That's like the stuff, the stuff that you love to talk about. Give me one guy, you're like, man, he came in. It was dicey and look at him now. Man.

Every time. Jimmy Side is a great dude. He's a really really I did not expect that to be the name, that to be the answer. Give me a player who you feel like going through the process of playing for you, go into one of your schools has forever changed them for the better. That's like the stuff, the stuff that you love to talk about. Give me one guy, you're like, man, he came in. It was dicey and look at him now. Man.

So when I was at Fresno Pacific, we were in n ai school that went Division two, you know in California.

So when I was at Fresno Pacific, we were in n ai school that went Division two, you know in California.

We had a guy named John Taylor. So JOHNN.

We had a guy named John Taylor. So JOHNN.

Taylor was the National JUCO Player of the Year at Mott. So, like, you know, Purdue wanted the Michigan State wanted him, but his academics were a train wreck, and so he had to get like twenty four hours of summer school to get eligible for US. And man, just when you look at him, you know, he had the son when he was really young, and he's had a great career playing overseas. But man, he's a great dad, he's a great person.

Taylor was the National JUCO Player of the Year at Mott. So, like, you know, Purdue wanted the Michigan State wanted him, but his academics were a train wreck, and so he had to get like twenty four hours of summer school to get eligible for US. And man, just when you look at him, you know, he had the son when he was really young, and he's had a great career playing overseas. But man, he's a great dad, he's a great person.

Man.

Man.

Just just seeing the success and he's had outside of basketball, something that's you know, like you know, really touches me.

Just just seeing the success and he's had outside of basketball, something that's you know, like you know, really touches me.

That's why you do it right, Like, yeah, you do it twin, but you do it because of that thing, right, Like you were there a part of the life changing process of college basketball for this guy who you know, he's gonna whenever he stops playing, he has a head start on everybody else and he has all these all these great experiences, all these great experiences. Well, listen, I really appreciate your time and having been around Langston for probably twenty five years, what you've accomplished is unbelievable. I mean, truly, truly unbelievable. I know you want to take that next step and when the whole thing, I'm sure that's coming. But man, I appreciate you joining me and I respect how to what you've done.

That's why you do it right, Like, yeah, you do it twin, but you do it because of that thing, right, Like you were there a part of the life changing process of college basketball for this guy who you know, he's gonna whenever he stops playing, he has a head start on everybody else and he has all these all these great experiences, all these great experiences. Well, listen, I really appreciate your time and having been around Langston for probably twenty five years, what you've accomplished is unbelievable. I mean, truly, truly unbelievable. I know you want to take that next step and when the whole thing, I'm sure that's coming. But man, I appreciate you joining me and I respect how to what you've done.

Thank you so much, coach. I appreciate you having me.

Thank you so much, coach. I appreciate you having me.

Mine. Thanks so much to Chris Wright for joining me. He's done a remarkable job at Langston. A reminder listening to The Doug Gotlip Show daily three to five Eastern time. We also have an hour pod only called in the Bonus type in Doug gotliber every download podcasts wherever you got this podcast, and you can get that one as well.

Mine. Thanks so much to Chris Wright for joining me. He's done a remarkable job at Langston. A reminder listening to The Doug Gotlip Show daily three to five Eastern time. We also have an hour pod only called in the Bonus type in Doug gotliber every download podcasts wherever you got this podcast, and you can get that one as well.

I'm Doug Gotlieb. This is all ball h

I'm Doug Gotlieb. This is all ball h