Shaka on Jim Rome today

[NYWarrior]

http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2021/04/shaka-smart-speaks-with-jim-rome.html

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

What a great interview.  Talked about the "seriousness" of the Baylor team and how you could even see it in their warm ups.  How they still played with enthusiasm, but really paid attention to their work on the court.

Also you can see why he seems to be on a lot of guards and wings.  Talked about how the game has gotten smaller.  "There aren't many power forwards like Karl Malone any longer."

[Warrior_2002]

Solid interview.  It’s great to have at least a little bit of salesmanship back with the coach making the national circuits.  Wojo may have done some of that in the beginning.  I can’t remember.  But I can see Shaka keeping us more in a national spotlight.  Obviously winning will have to come first.
Wish we had Rome in Milwaukee.  We have like 25 sports radio stations and somehow we can’t manage to find a spot for his CBS radio show.

[Goose]

Can never have too many athletic guards and wings.

[We R Final Four]

Solid interview.  It’s great to have at least a little bit of salesmanship back with the coach making the national circuits.  Wojo may have done some of that in the beginning.  I can’t remember.  But I can see Shaka keeping us more in a national spotlight.  Obviously winning will have to come first.
Wish we had Rome in Milwaukee.  We have like 25 sports radio stations and somehow we can’t manage to find a spot for his CBS radio show.

Yes....Jen/Gabe/Chewy had Shaka on yesterday. I got all excited.
First question(paraphrasing)....is it more difficult living up to your last name Smart or having your wife be the smartest one in the family?
2. Are you a Packers orBears fan?
3. Will you cut your hair?
Chewy referred to Wisconsin as “a great program” that you probably want to emulate, no?
Jen...an MU alum....asked SS what he plans to do to make MUBB relevant.....not relevant again....just relevant.
So disappointing.

[Jockey]

Yes....Jen/Gabe/Chewy had Shaka on yesterday. I got all excited.
First question(paraphrasing)....is it more difficult living up to your last name Smart or having your wife be the smartest one in the family?
2. Are you a Packers orBears fan?
3. Will you cut your hair?
Chewy referred to Wisconsin as “a great program” that you probably want to emulate, no?
Jen...an MU alum....asked SS what he plans to do to make MUBB relevant.....not relevant again....just relevant.
So disappointing.

That's why I listen to WSCR when I am driving, even though I am a fan of the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Warriors.

[avid1010]

Someone needs to ask why Chewy was in a hot tub and bathroom with HS girls that were drunk?

[warriorchick]

So what was the answer to the hair question?

[We R Final Four]

Someone needs to ask why Chewy was in a hot tub and bathroom with HS girls that were drunk?

Haha—yes.

[We R Final Four]

So what was the answer to the hair question?

Right now....he’s keeping it long (covid style).
Gabe was telling him he looks more fierce with his head shaved.

[Small Orange Soda]

Yes....Jen/Gabe/Chewy had Shaka on yesterday. I got all excited.
First question(paraphrasing)....is it more difficult living up to your last name Smart or having your wife be the smartest one in the family?
2. Are you a Packers orBears fan?
3. Will you cut your hair?
Chewy referred to Wisconsin as “a great program” that you probably want to emulate, no?
Jen...an MU alum....asked SS what he plans to do to make MUBB relevant.....not relevant again....just relevant.
So disappointing.

It was so, so bad.

This one, on the other hand, I thought was Shaka's best yet, and I'm neutral on Rome.

[94Warrior]

I just listened to the Rome interview.  I want to play for that guy!  The genuine article - not a salesman, a phony or a robot.  Excited for the future.

[VegasWarrior77]

So what was the answer to the hair question?

Shaka had said last week that his wife and daughter prefer the hair and he prefers the shaved look.  So I guess he'll have the hair for awhile.

[warriorchick]

Shaka had said last week that his wife and daughter prefer the hair and he prefers the shaved look.  So I guess he'll have the hair for awhile.

I'll say it again... If they don't build a fundraiser around shaving his head, it's a missed opportunity...

[VegasWarrior77]

I'll say it again... If they don't build a fundraiser around shaving his head, it's a missed opportunity...

+1  At half court in the 414um!

[warriorchick]

+1  At half court in the 414um!

Or at Marquette Madness.

[Afroman]

That's why I listen to WSCR when I am driving, even though I am a fan of the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Warriors.

Ditto.

[The Lens]

The positive energy from this interview, every MU social media post and the roster construction begs the question:

Did people really think we we’re gonna roll another season with Steve?  Lol.  43 million in gifts, MU is doing what it needs to. 

Love to see it.  We’re in charge. 

[MU82]

Very good interview by Rome and outstanding answers by our new coach.

Only nit I'll pick with Rome is that his questions about Shaka leaving Texas were pretty soft -- as if there was no heat at all on Shaka after losing to Abilene Christian.

I loved the way Shaka talked about how being around enthusiastic players can buoy a coach, and about how much a coach can learn from his or her athletes. Coaching at a much lower level, I also have been fortunate enough to experience that. It's supposed to be fun for the coach, too, and I hope our Marquette guys do that for Shaka.

For all those who said a bazillion times that Lovell doesn't care about Marquette basketball, Shaka goes out of his way to cite our president's "commitment to basketball and what goes into winning."

Shaka also went into detail about how it's pretty much impossible to play defense today the way he coached at VCU. Refs call things too closely, and the opponents have too many quality ballhandlers nowadays, often using 3 or even 4 guards. So those expecting him to bring Havoc to Marquette are gonna be disappointed.

All in all, as an alum, I'm proud to hear my coach talk with so much excitement about our basketball program and our university.

We Are Marquette!

[GB Warrior]

Didn't realize Jim was still on the air anywhere but good interview

[dgies9156]

Sorry guys, I was not impressed. I heard a lot about him and what he wanted in a player but....

Questions I would have asked:

1) What's your view of the condition of the Marquette program?

2) How are you being received as you contact players as Marquette's coach?

3) How are the Big 4 of the MU program -- Lewis, Carton, Garcia and Elliott -- reacting to the change?

4) Marquette had a losing record last year? How fast do you think you can turn this situation around?

I'd might of asked if he thought Marquette could win another Natty too -- as in, do you have the stature and resources to do it?

Who am I but a graduate of the College of Journalism taught to ask what people really want to know!

[Johnny B]

Sorry guys, I was not impressed. I heard a lot about him and what he wanted in a player but....

Questions I would have asked:

1) What's your view of the condition of the Marquette program?

2) How are you being received as you contact players as Marquette's coach.

3) How are the Big 4 of the MU program -- Lewis, Carton, Garcia and Elliott -- reacting to the change?

4) Marquette had a losing record last year? How fast do you think you can turn this situation around?

I'd might of asked if he thought Marquette could win another Natty too -- as in, do you have the stature and resources to do it?

Who am I but a graduate of the College of Journalism taught to ask what people really want to know!

big 4?? right.. question 4 is gonna get a genric postive response by any coach. do you really wanna here "yes i beleive we can turn it around quickly? what else can u say? and the natty question just gonna get another postive generic response that doesnt mean anything anyways

[cheebs09]

Sorry guys, I was not impressed. I heard a lot about him and what he wanted in a player but....

Questions I would have asked:

1) What's your view of the condition of the Marquette program?

2) How are you being received as you contact players as Marquette's coach?

3) How are the Big 4 of the MU program -- Lewis, Carton, Garcia and Elliott -- reacting to the change?

4) Marquette had a losing record last year? How fast do you think you can turn this situation around?

I'd might of asked if he thought Marquette could win another Natty too -- as in, do you have the stature and resources to do it?

Who am I but a graduate of the College of Journalism taught to ask what people really want to know!

I’m guessing Jim Rome’s audience wants to know very different things than those on this board.

[willie warrior]

The positive energy from this interview, every MU social media post and the roster construction begs the question:

Did people really think we we’re gonna roll another season with Steve?  Lol.  43 million in gifts, MU is doing what it needs to. 

Love to see it.  We’re in charge.

Ask the Wojo-Dukiet excuse makers.

[Hards Alumni]

Sorry guys, I was not impressed. I heard a lot about him and what he wanted in a player but....

Questions I would have asked:

1) What's your view of the condition of the Marquette program?

We are in great shape.  We have amazing facilities, a lot of resources for players, and an extremely enthusiastic fanbase.  Jim, I think when you couple that with the players we are bringing back and the recruits we are looking at the program is in a great spot to compete year in and year out in the Big East.

2) How are you being received as you contact players as Marquette's coach?

Generally, I think there is enthusiasm and drive to get out there and get to ballin' right away.  We are in contact with our current players and our recruits convincing them that Marquette is a great place to play basketball.  And obviously, we have some guys who know that because they've been here for a couple of years.  I'm excited to meet and get to know everyone on a professional and personal level.  And I mean that for the administration and players and their families.

3) How are the Big 4 of the MU program -- Lewis, Carton, Garcia and Elliott -- reacting to the change?

Each player is different, and obviously when there is a coaching and philosophy change how each player reacts to that will be different.  I'm happy to be the coach at Marquette, and am glad to have a great group of guys that are ready to work their tails off and bring Marquette success.

4) Marquette had a losing record last year? How fast do you think you can turn this situation around?

Jim, our goal is to win.  I can't promise anyone a certain record.  What I will promise Marquette and its fan base is that we will bring hard work, professionalism, and enthusiasm to the game.  Obviously, everyone wants to win, and that is our goal, but I think you'd be hard pressed to find a coach that doesn't think he can win every game.  That sort of thing isn't realistic, but the desire to be the best, and believe that you can win every game is what makes competition great.

I'd might of asked if he thought Marquette could win another Natty too -- as in, do you have the stature and resources to do it?

Yes, Jim.  Of course that is the goal.  You don't get into coaching to be happy with winning a couple of games.  The goal is always to hang a banner, and that's what we want to do in Milwaukee.

Who am I but a graduate of the College of Journalism taught to ask what people really want to know!

Here are your coach speak answers!  Thanks for the softballs!

[MU82]

Rome doesn't give two shytes about Marquette. He doesn't know or care who the "Big 4" are. (I didn't know Elliott was part of a "big" anything, either.)

The interview was about Shaka, not Marquette. The questions were asked in a way to "re-introduce" Rome's audience to the coach who led VCU to the Final Four. Rome didn't even bite with the obvious follow-up question after Shaka said that leaving Texas for Marquette was a "no-brainer."

It was an "everybody loves Shaka," softball-question interview ... and in that vein, it accomplished its goal. Jim Rome is a broadcast personality; he's not Jeremy Schaap.

[4everwarriors]

Big 4, chit. If they were Big, they'd have won more games regardless who was coachin', aina?

[Dr. Blackheart]

Big 4, chit. If they were Big, they'd have won more games regardless who was coachin', aina?

George, Bo, Butch, Wade

[mug644]

Here are your coach speak answers!  Thanks for the softballs!

Wojo, is that you still around?

(Well done, Hards.)

[NorthernDancerColt]

Rome doesn't give two shytes about Marquette. He doesn't know or care who the "Big 4" are. (I didn't know Elliott was part of a "big" anything, either.)

The interview was about Shaka, not Marquette. The questions were asked in a way to "re-introduce" Rome's audience to the coach who led VCU to the Final Four. Rome didn't even bite with the obvious follow-up question after Shaka said that leaving Texas for Marquette was a "no-brainer."

It was an "everybody loves Shaka," softball-question interview ... and in that vein, it accomplished its goal. Jim Rome is a broadcast personality; he's not Jeremy Schaap.

And Jeremy Schaap is not his father. -Bob Knight

[MU82]

And Jeremy Schaap is not his father. -Bob Knight

Yeah, Bobby didn't like being asked difficult questions. When you think of yourself as a dictator, being questioned about your tactics is verboten.

[Coleman]

I love Romey.

[lawdog77]

Here are your coach speak answers!  Thanks for the softballs!

Rack him.
 Does Rome still say that? I haven't listened to Rome in probably 15 years.

[Warrior Code]

I still, all these years later, think "Baseball bat? Get this guy a tennis racket!" whenever I hear the name Jim Rome.

[Viper]

Yes....Jen/Gabe/Chewy had Shaka on yesterday. I got all excited.
First question(paraphrasing)....is it more difficult living up to your last name Smart or having your wife be the smartest one in the family?
2. Are you a Packers orBears fan?
3. Will you cut your hair?
Chewy referred to Wisconsin as “a great program” that you probably want to emulate, no?
Jen...an MU alum....asked SS what he plans to do to make MUBB relevant.....not relevant again....just relevant.
So disappointing.

disappointing indeed. Chumura isn’t a basketball guy and isn’t from the state originally, but still, weak sauce. And to think this is the flagship station of Marquette basketball.

[dgies9156]

And my follow-ups:

orry guys, I was not impressed. I heard a lot about him and what he wanted in a player but....

Questions I would have asked:

1) What's your view of the condition of the Marquette program?

We are in great shape.  We have amazing facilities, a lot of resources for players, and an extremely enthusiastic fanbase.  Jim, I think when you couple that with the players we are bringing back and the recruits we are looking at the program is in a great spot to compete year in and year out in the Big East.

Then you think you can win immediately? Is it reasonable for Marquette fans to expect an NCAA appearance next year with the talent and commitments you have now?

2) How are you being received as you contact players as Marquette's coach?

Generally, I think there is enthusiasm and drive to get out there and get to ballin' right away.  We are in contact with our current players and our recruits convincing them that Marquette is a great place to play basketball.  And obviously, we have some guys who know that because they've been here for a couple of years.  I'm excited to meet and get to know everyone on a professional and personal level.  And I mean that for the administration and players and their families.

We know that. But what's the prognosis? Can you fill out the roster and get MU to the NCAA next year?

3) How are the Big 4 of the MU program -- Lewis, Carton, Garcia and Elliott -- reacting to the change?

Each player is different, and obviously when there is a coaching and philosophy change how each player reacts to that will be different.  I'm happy to be the coach at Marquette, and am glad to have a great group of guys that are ready to work their tails off and bring Marquette success.

So, will they be wearing a Marquette jersey next fall?

4) Marquette had a losing record last year? How fast do you think you can turn this situation around?

Jim, our goal is to win.  I can't promise anyone a certain record.  What I will promise Marquette and its fan base is that we will bring hard work, professionalism, and enthusiasm to the game.  Obviously, everyone wants to win, and that is our goal, but I think you'd be hard pressed to find a coach that doesn't think he can win every game.  That sort of thing isn't realistic, but the desire to be the best, and believe that you can win every game is what makes competition great.

Why the he*l not? Wojo promised he could win. Is it this coming year... and while you can't promise a winning record, this is a tough fan base....

I'd might of asked if he thought Marquette could win another Natty too -- as in, do you have the stature and resources to do it?

Yes, Jim.  Of course that is the goal.  You don't get into coaching to be happy with winning a couple of games.  The goal is always to hang a banner, and that's what we want to do in Milwaukee.

No redirect, sir.

Who am I but a graduate of the College of Journalism taught to ask what people really want to know!

[Johnny B]

And my follow-ups:

orry guys, I was not impressed. I heard a lot about him and what he wanted in a player but....

Questions I would have asked:

1) What's your view of the condition of the Marquette program?

We are in great shape.  We have amazing facilities, a lot of resources for players, and an extremely enthusiastic fanbase.  Jim, I think when you couple that with the players we are bringing back and the recruits we are looking at the program is in a great spot to compete year in and year out in the Big East.

Then you think you can win immediately? Is it reasonable for Marquette fans to expect an NCAA appearance next year with the talent and commitments you have now?

2) How are you being received as you contact players as Marquette's coach?

Generally, I think there is enthusiasm and drive to get out there and get to ballin' right away.  We are in contact with our current players and our recruits convincing them that Marquette is a great place to play basketball.  And obviously, we have some guys who know that because they've been here for a couple of years.  I'm excited to meet and get to know everyone on a professional and personal level.  And I mean that for the administration and players and their families.

We know that. But what's the prognosis? Can you fill out the roster and get MU to the NCAA next year?

3) How are the Big 4 of the MU program -- Lewis, Carton, Garcia and Elliott -- reacting to the change?

Each player is different, and obviously when there is a coaching and philosophy change how each player reacts to that will be different.  I'm happy to be the coach at Marquette, and am glad to have a great group of guys that are ready to work their tails off and bring Marquette success.

So, will they be wearing a Marquette jersey next fall?

4) Marquette had a losing record last year? How fast do you think you can turn this situation around?

Jim, our goal is to win.  I can't promise anyone a certain record.  What I will promise Marquette and its fan base is that we will bring hard work, professionalism, and enthusiasm to the game.  Obviously, everyone wants to win, and that is our goal, but I think you'd be hard pressed to find a coach that doesn't think he can win every game.  That sort of thing isn't realistic, but the desire to be the best, and believe that you can win every game is what makes competition great.

Why the he*l not? Wojo promised he could win. Is it this coming year... and while you can't promise a winning record, this is a tough fan base....

I'd might of asked if he thought Marquette could win another Natty too -- as in, do you have the stature and resources to do it?

Yes, Jim.  Of course that is the goal.  You don't get into coaching to be happy with winning a couple of games.  The goal is always to hang a banner, and that's what we want to do in Milwaukee.

No redirect, sir.

Who am I but a graduate of the College of Journalism taught to ask what people really want to know!

what is this?🙄 did u just make up his answers

[dgies9156]

I wrote the questions, someone else answered in coach-speak and I then went Mike Wallace on him!

[Johnny B]

[Hards Alumni]

And my follow-ups:

orry guys, I was not impressed. I heard a lot about him and what he wanted in a player but....

Questions I would have asked:

1) What's your view of the condition of the Marquette program?

We are in great shape.  We have amazing facilities, a lot of resources for players, and an extremely enthusiastic fanbase.  Jim, I think when you couple that with the players we are bringing back and the recruits we are looking at the program is in a great spot to compete year in and year out in the Big East.

Then you think you can win immediately? Is it reasonable for Marquette fans to expect an NCAA appearance next year with the talent and commitments you have now?

Ideally, we want to be playing in the NCAA tournament every year.  Next year will be my first year.  We have a couple of really good players, but I haven't had much time to get to know them well yet.  We are still very early in the process, but I wouldn't count us out.

2) How are you being received as you contact players as Marquette's coach?

Generally, I think there is enthusiasm and drive to get out there and get to ballin' right away.  We are in contact with our current players and our recruits convincing them that Marquette is a great place to play basketball.  And obviously, we have some guys who know that because they've been here for a couple of years.  I'm excited to meet and get to know everyone on a professional and personal level.  And I mean that for the administration and players and their families.

We know that. But what's the prognosis? Can you fill out the roster and get MU to the NCAA next year?

Can I get back to you when I've been here more than two weeks, Jim?  I don't want be out here making predictions two weeks in when we don't even have a full roster for next year.  Let's give it some time, let me talk to some recruits, check the transfer portal, and see what we are working with before we jump the gun and write checks that can't be cashed.  No matter who ends up on the roster, our goal will be post season play.  That is the culture I want to develop here in Milwaukee.  Post season play is the expectation.

3) How are the Big 4 of the MU program -- Lewis, Carton, Garcia and Elliott -- reacting to the change?

Each player is different, and obviously when there is a coaching and philosophy change how each player reacts to that will be different.  I'm happy to be the coach at Marquette, and am glad to have a great group of guys that are ready to work their tails off and bring Marquette success.

So, will they be wearing a Marquette jersey next fall?

No matter who does or does not put on the jersey next year, we will be Marquette.  An individual player isn't the team.  These young men are their own people and I will respect the decisions they make to be players on the team next year or not.  Look Jim, we've all seen how large the pool of transfers is this year.  And I don't have to tell you that a lot of young men will make the decision they feel is right for them.  Whether they transfer or don't is their decision and we should respect that as coaches.  My job as their coach is to convince them that Marquette is their home.  I'm new here, and I didn't recruit these guys.  Some of them barely know me.  Could you blame them if they wanted to explore all of their options?  But at the end of the day, we will do our best to succeed no matter who is on the court... Do you have any eligibility left Jim?  We're always watching for talent.

4) Marquette had a losing record last year? How fast do you think you can turn this situation around?

Jim, our goal is to win.  I can't promise anyone a certain record.  What I will promise Marquette and its fan base is that we will bring hard work, professionalism, and enthusiasm to the game.  Obviously, everyone wants to win, and that is our goal, but I think you'd be hard pressed to find a coach that doesn't think he can win every game.  That sort of thing isn't realistic, but the desire to be the best, and believe that you can win every game is what makes competition great.

Why the he*l not? Wojo promised he could win. Is it this coming year... and while you can't promise a winning record, this is a tough fan base....

I could make a lot of money in Las Vegas if I knew the outcome of the season before it was played.  My point is that anyone can make that promise, but the results are what matter.  We are here to win, and we will play our hardest to accomplish that goal.  But I'm not going to make a promise of X or Y amount of wins.  No one would give you that sort of number, and if they did then they probably have an almanac and a DeLorean.

I'd might of asked if he thought Marquette could win another Natty too -- as in, do you have the stature and resources to do it?

Yes, Jim.  Of course that is the goal.  You don't get into coaching to be happy with winning a couple of games.  The goal is always to hang a banner, and that's what we want to do in Milwaukee.

No redirect, sir.

If you're asking me point blank if I think that Marquette can win a National Championship, the simple answer is that I wouldn't be coaching here if I thought that weren't the case.

Who am I but a graduate of the College of Journalism taught to ask what people really want to know!

[dgies9156]

We could have fun with this for quite awhile.

Brother Hards, you got this coachspeak down! You sure you don’t coach somewhere?

[Hards Alumni]

We could have fun with this for quite awhile.

Brother Hards, you got this coachspeak down! You sure you don’t coach somewhere?

I've seen enough interviews to know the song and dance lol.

[Galway Eagle]

Funny he name dropped Tom and Buzz but no mention of Wojo. I mean I know Wojo didn't touch their success but just thought it was funny.

[Coleman]

And my follow-ups:

orry guys, I was not impressed. I heard a lot about him and what he wanted in a player but....

Questions I would have asked:

1) What's your view of the condition of the Marquette program?

We are in great shape.  We have amazing facilities, a lot of resources for players, and an extremely enthusiastic fanbase.  Jim, I think when you couple that with the players we are bringing back and the recruits we are looking at the program is in a great spot to compete year in and year out in the Big East.

Then you think you can win immediately? Is it reasonable for Marquette fans to expect an NCAA appearance next year with the talent and commitments you have now?

2) How are you being received as you contact players as Marquette's coach?

Generally, I think there is enthusiasm and drive to get out there and get to ballin' right away.  We are in contact with our current players and our recruits convincing them that Marquette is a great place to play basketball.  And obviously, we have some guys who know that because they've been here for a couple of years.  I'm excited to meet and get to know everyone on a professional and personal level.  And I mean that for the administration and players and their families.

We know that. But what's the prognosis? Can you fill out the roster and get MU to the NCAA next year?

3) How are the Big 4 of the MU program -- Lewis, Carton, Garcia and Elliott -- reacting to the change?

Each player is different, and obviously when there is a coaching and philosophy change how each player reacts to that will be different.  I'm happy to be the coach at Marquette, and am glad to have a great group of guys that are ready to work their tails off and bring Marquette success.

So, will they be wearing a Marquette jersey next fall?

4) Marquette had a losing record last year? How fast do you think you can turn this situation around?

Jim, our goal is to win.  I can't promise anyone a certain record.  What I will promise Marquette and its fan base is that we will bring hard work, professionalism, and enthusiasm to the game.  Obviously, everyone wants to win, and that is our goal, but I think you'd be hard pressed to find a coach that doesn't think he can win every game.  That sort of thing isn't realistic, but the desire to be the best, and believe that you can win every game is what makes competition great.

Why the he*l not? Wojo promised he could win. Is it this coming year... and while you can't promise a winning record, this is a tough fan base....

I'd might of asked if he thought Marquette could win another Natty too -- as in, do you have the stature and resources to do it?

Yes, Jim.  Of course that is the goal.  You don't get into coaching to be happy with winning a couple of games.  The goal is always to hang a banner, and that's what we want to do in Milwaukee.

No redirect, sir.

Who am I but a graduate of the College of Journalism taught to ask what people really want to know!

LOL give it a rest.

[MarquetteMike1977]

Mo Bamba has 13 of the Magic’s 29 points so far tonight

[4everwarriors]

Any chance he transfers to MU, hey?