Q: Where does KSU need to be w/ bball hiring?
A: Same at any point when you make a change...this job is more attractive for the next person...needs someone that will do all expected off court, but take current team to next level, i.e. NCAA tourney?
Q: How much have you narrowed things down?
A: Initially wide, has to be reduced as search goes down [WOW, WHAT INSIGHT!] Talks to opposing coaches, even officials.
Q: Is it more important to get X's and O's or recruiter?
A: Obviously you want both, but in most cases would always lean to X's and O's [>:(]...at the end of the day, I believe it's a coach's game...I don't believe in better players, I believe in better coaches.
Q: KSU needs to walk and chew gum...regards to having a coach that brings off the court issues...how much of a balance between two, how important?\
A: Both are important...have to examine what you're looking for in each position...I want someone to win games rather than friends because winning games wins friends...I don't believe you have to choose between good person or a good coach...KSU doesn't need to look at one or another...doesn't look at Asbury as an example.
Q: Letting Jim go right after loss...your reasoning?
A: As season went on, speculation was difficult for everyone. Met w/ team, snuck across the hall, agreed this would be best for everyone...period of time between then and return would simply prolong the inevitible...the wait didn't make a whole lot of sense...media was in Dallas...to inform...Jim said, "why not"?
Q: Bob Huggins?
A: I won't speak about any candidate...just because there is a perception that exists, won't stop ME from finding the facts about situation...reports aren't always based on facts...irresponsible to run search based on public or media opinion...driven by what's right not popular..."Good fit" :(
Q: K-State ties?
A: All things equal, it'd be great to have ties...helps w/ "fit factor" >:( some have had great success w/o ties...can't be biased to think they can't be successful w/o ties.
Q: Time frame?
A: I'd love to have it over tomorrow, but that's for selfish reasons...it will take as long as we need to. If it takes us longer, we'll take longer, if it takes less time, we'll do it quickly...I'm confident we'll find a good person...have patience and understanding.
Q: Why Eddie Fogler?
A: 1. Someone I've known 20 some years...it'd be difficult to not recognize Eddie as a great mind...great affinity for this part of the country...been to FB games a # of times...understands Big XII...recruiting issues to compete w/ championships...Eddie Fogler won't make decision...Eddie can access a lot of info and a lot of insight to any serious candidate...a lot of people appear good but might not be good when you peel back the layers. Not a candidate, but I'd love to have him.
Q: Guage interest w/ early conversations w/ candidates:
A: I'm violating policy, but I haven't had any conversation w/ any candidates...I can say that it's safe to say there are people very interested in this job, not because it's a big xii job, or because there's a good foundation, but because it's a great place to be, and they would be great fits, doesn't want to "convince" someone to come here...wants to hire someone who doesn't just want to be a head coach...but wants to be the head coach at Kansas State :(
Q: Two Week window?
A: That may not be correct...I'll ask Jim Epps.
