What I Jotted down...
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Fr. Wild
Coaching in the new big east is a risk regardless who you hire. It takes passion, commitment, and energy. Some coaches don't want that challenge. Buzz does want that challenge and has succeeded everywhere he's been
Cottingham
3 items they wanted:
1) Totally committed to MU basketball.
2) Able to uphold highest ethical standards.
3) Hungry: to recruit, win in the Big East, and compete at a high level.
Need someone with a fire in their belly. Talked with many coaches, and contacts, found the best candidate at Marquette. Other reasons he's the best choice: His vision and plan is compelling. Work ethic is second to none. Great recruiter. Style of play is attractive to players with NBA dreams.
All contacts made good things to say about Buzz. Embarrassing tidbit: Told coaches (in while in college?) that he just wanted to watch the games, and sit in the bleachers. Kept meeting new coaches, and met over 400. He would write each of them every week to keep in contact. Thats the kind of work ethic that he brings with him.
Buzz
Grateful to be at this point, in this position.
ESPN News stared November 1996. He was married June 10, 2000. Every press conference ESPN has shown - if it was a coach - he would watch it. Always wanted to learn - to be a better speaker, how to be a better coach. That is how he judged the press conference. His wife judged it good or bad - based on how soon the man mentioned his wife. (laughs). (obligatory thanks to Cory, and everyone else now…)
He is committed to - and this is most important to him today, last 7 days, and mission in his tenure (intent is *always*) -- the team. As the steward of the program, the face is going to be about the players. They will be judged in the order of: young men, students, and then as players. (now a lot more about players being the focus)
Immediately wanted to meet with the team after getting/accepting the offer. Rounded them up and talked to them, and their parents. He wanted parents to hear (from him) that he was their coach. Not saying that to be critical - but because the team is what's important to him.
Learned more about what Marquette is in the last 9 months. "We Are Marquette" and all that it embodies it. Acknowledges coach Raymonds - apologizes for not thanking him earlier in the press conference saying "I made a mistake".
From a recruiting perspective - a lot is made of it. It's the same thing as coaching. It's all about relationships, and forming those.
I'm going to hire the absolute best - multi-talented people. But best at building relationships - in the right way, and taking care of the team/players. They will recruit the absolute best - from start to finish. Those that embody what Marquette is as a person, as a student, and as a player.
Coaching strategy - what's his philosophy? "I'm a winning guy". We'll win the right way on the floor and off the floor. The team will embody things that you'll be proud of. Players will go to class every day and earn a Jesuit education.
