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1) Lehigh has signed a new coach for the new season, Billy Taylor
(former asst. at Notre Dame & UNC-Greensboro). What do you know about
Coach Taylor? Are you excited about the new change of direction?
Coach Taylor is very excited and ready to begin turning things around
here at Lehigh. He was part of building a very successful program at
UNCG and its very apparent that he is ready to do that here. He makes
sure that we all work hard and is very open with his players. His
offense is also very open, he depends on his players to make the
correct reads and decisions during the game.
2) While last year's 5-23 record was a disappointment, the team
seemed to have a lot of tough loses (10 games by under 6 points), and
was more competitive than the record would suggest. This also seemed
to be a theme from the 2000-01 season. Can you pinpoint any reason
for the team's inability to get over the hump?
I really wish I had an answer to this. We lost so many games in the
last minute. It always felt like if we could have had one more
possession we could have won those games. It got really frustrating
because we always felt we were better than our record indicated due to
those close games. Hopefully this year well be able to correct it.
3) With a new coach, the experience of high quality competitive
basketball, a solid freshman class, and the return of senior star Matt
Logie, Lehigh certainly has some optimism for the new season. Has the
team set any goals for the year? Any predictions on how the team will
fare?
The whole team is looking forward to the upcoming year. We cant wait
to step on the court and start playing. I've played with most of our
incoming freshmen and was very impressed with them. We also have a lot
of experience in our strong senior class which I'm hoping will help us
in those close games. Ooverall, we're looking forward to starting what
should be a very successful season.
4) As a sophomore, you blocked a school record 65 shots, averaged 8
points Andover 5 boards per game. Yet, this past season your numbers
seemed to slip a bit. Was there any specific reason for this drop off?
This past season was a very frustrating one for me. I was constantly
tormented with small, nagging injuries that wouldn't go away. I
couldn't get into the same flow that i usually get into over the
course of a season. I had a few good games, but I felt that being
injured kept me from maintaining a high level of play over the course
of the year. This offseason, I have been lifting and conditioning as
much as possible so that I wont have that happen to me again.
5) What type of numbers are you hoping to put up this season? Are
there any special skills you been working on to take your game to the
next level?
To average a double double would be nice. For Lehigh to be as
successful as I want to be, I have to play very well and do my part,
which means rebounding, blocking shots, and scoring when I'm needed.
This summer has been a great success so far, and I feel much stronger
due to Coach Taylor's strength and conditioning program. It is very
tough, but everyone I have talked to on our team this summer, is
seeing results. I have gained about 15-20 lbs. since we started
lifting in May. This is the key for me, I have to be able to maintain
strength over the course of the year and play physically inside. That
is the most important thing for me to do.
6) Do you know anything about Lehigh's new recruits (Austen
Rowland, Michael Fischman, or Chris Stephenson)? Do you think any of
them will be able to come in and contribute right away?
I have heard very good things about Austen Rowland, but he will be
sitting out this year due to the transfer from Delaware. Mike and
Chris are both very talented and will be able to help. Mike will
provide some depth at the 4 and 5 spot. Chris is very athletic and
could see some minutes behind Logie or Zo on the perimeter.
7) Lehigh is a well-respected school in the academic universe. How
hard has it been to balance D1 athletics and academics at the same
time? Any plans on remaining involved with hoops in the future?
Lehigh is a very tough school. Athletes are held to very high
standards here and it shows. Last year we had the number one
graduation rate for student athletes in the NCAA (I think 94%).
Balancing athletics with academics is something you have to learn to
do here, otherwise, you wont make it. I'm always going to remain
involved with basketball, whether it is playing, coaching, or
watching. It is a huge part of my life.
8) Is there anything special you'd like to tell Lehigh fans, Patriot
League followers, or other hoop fans from around the country?
I would like to thank our fans for remaining faithful over the course
of a very tough year. I noticed that our attendance never dropped
off, even though we struggled to win games. When we start winning
games, Stabler Arena is going to be a great place to play and watch
basketball games.
As usual, I'd like to wish Matt & his family the best in the coming
year. If you'd like to read more great interviews, check out or
interview archive.
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