Winthrop University Head Coach Gregg Marshall, who guided the Eagles to their first-ever NCAA appearance in his first season last year, answered a few quick hitters for UDPRIDE as Winthrop and Dayton get set to tip it off Saturday night at the UD Arena. Marshall is an up-and-coming young coach in the Big South Conference who engineered one of the most dramatic one-year turnarounds in basketball for 99-00. Special thanks to him and his administrative staff for contacting us.

UDP: “Your Winthrop Eagles earned the program’s first-ever NCAA bid a year ago and are off to a hot start once again in 99-00. In your second year on the job, what have you learned from last season and tried to apply to your squad this year?”

GM: “We’ve put last year to bed. Our emphasis is now on the 99-00 season and we are hoping that we can continue to play to a higher level this year. Complacency has no room in Winthrop Basketball.”

UDP: “Winthrop’s backcourt may be one of the nation’s hidden gems. Tyson Waterman, Robbie Waldrop, and JUCO Transfer Greg Lewis have been key so far this year. How do you see these players stacking up this year inside and outside the Big South?”

GM: “We have some very talented players, including those that you have mentioned. The thing that is most impressive is that they come to work every day to get better. Hopefully, they can raise their game when we play against the top teams on our schedule including UD.”

UDP: “As you probably know, the Flyers are off to a fast start in 99-00 after a disappointing season a year ago. Dayton has beaten New Mexico and Kentucky on the road in hostile environments. How are you preparing your team for the loud and vocal UD Arena crowd?”

GM: “Right now we prepare one game at a time. Obviously this will be the most vocal crowd we will have played in front of all year long as we have played only one game prior to the UD game.”

UDP: “What concerns do you have about the matchup with the Flyers? Where do you feel you can expose a weakness and capitalize?”

GM: “I’m very concerned because they are a very good basketball team with wins over New Mexico and Kentucky. They’re also a senior-laden squad that seems on the verge of making post season a reality this season.”

UDP: “Your Eagles are shooting the three pointer with authority (44%) and making nine treys a game, while the Flyer three-point defense has been very good so far. What are the keys to success in this area for your club?”

GM: “We’re going to try to shoot the ball well. We like to play inside-out basketball, but we do have a strong perimeter game.”

UDP: “The Eagles were picked last in the Big South by just about everyone a year ago, but managed to surprise and win the regular season and tournament title. This year Winthrop is the hunted. What does that change, if anything, in the equation?”

GM: “There will be no sneaking up on anyone this year, though by mid season last year I think people were aware that changes had occurred within the WU basketball program. We have to bring our A-game more often this year to be successful than early last season.”

UDP: “My name is Basketball Jones, I am 6’6”, and one of the best HS players in the nation. I’ve received a letter from everyone. Why should I take the time to read yours and consider Winthrop University?”

GM: “The letter was misdelivered. We wouldn’t be sending a letter to Basketball Jones. He’ll probably end up at Duke, Indiana, or Dayton. We are going to try to recruit his teammate who is a little less heralded, but potentially as good.”

UDP: “College basketball is a cash cow that makes millions of dollars for many people by marketing the athletic ability of 18yr olds. Some feel the players deserve a cut of the earnings while others insist a free college education is payment enough. What are your thoughts on this issue?”

GM: “I guess until I’m at the level where millions of dollars are made and deal with the kids that bring that kind of money in, I should reserve comment.”

UDP: “Dayton fans keep a close eye on Pete Strickland and his Coastal ballclub since he left Oliver Purnell’s staff for his first Div-I coaching job. What are your thoughts on Coach Strickland and his Chants this season?”

GM: “Pete is a great guy and his teams play very hard. I think they will be one of the more improved teams this season in our conference.”

UDP: “What’s the best piece of coaching advice anyone has ever given you?”

GM: “To be good you must be willing to work at it. There is so much that goes on that people don’t realize behind the scenes within a basketball program. It takes a great deal of time, focus, and commitment to get it all done and ultimately be successful.”