You guys have done a wonderful job in recapping the conversation. Here's a synopsis with perhaps a little more detail.
SPRING WORKOUTS
He was very happy with the players' work ethic and their willingness to adapt to the new staff. He felt that they made significant progress in just a two week period. Said he believes that players want to be instructed, want to be disciplined and want to be told what to do. (I mentioned that Lou Henson said the same thing to me in a past interview.)
ACADEMICS
Said he felt they needed to be better there and pushed them hard the last couple of months. Mentioned that two of his players at SHSU just graduated in three years. That impressed me.
TRADITION
He has spoken to Coach Shipley (they've had lunch three times), Coach Paschal, Coach Evans and Coach Lee. I jjust gave him Coach Fletcher's phone number and he plans to call him as well. He wants to learn more about the past.
ATTRITION
Asked specifically about Gradnigo and if it was a surprise. His response was "not really." Said he told the players in the first meeting that one or two of them probably wouldn't be there by the fall. Did not specifically address Gradnigo and it was obvious he had no desire to do so.
SCHEDULING
We have 14 home games and 14 away games. Looking to add a home game if the dates work out and the opponent is right. Would not have a problem keeping it at 28. Will not add another road game. Talked about the difficulty of scheduling based on Louisiana and Marlin historical success at home. No one in the SEC or Big XII wanted to play, even at their place. Said we'll probably play LSU next year. Believes that the bulk of the non conference schedule should come from CUSA, SEC, BIG XII and SLC. Didn't say this on air but look for the Bayou Classic to return next season. Believes that Tulane, McNeese, Lamar, LSU, Houston and Rice should be staples of the schedule. Also said because of the late start in scheduling there will be some FRiday and Sunday home games. He's not excited about that and wants to avoid it in the future.
START OF SCHOOL/PRACTICE
Team willl have a team dinner Sunday night. Nothing the first week except a few meetings so the players can get acclimiated to school. Then they'll start individual workouts. Practice begins Oct. 15. Wants to have a showcase for the first practice, either at EKL or the Dome. Working on that now.
RECRUITING
Trying to address some depth issues at guard. Hopes to have another new player (besides LeBato) join the team when school starts. Will have 6 schollies to give next year. Wants to take care of half of that in the early period. Likes the reception they are getting from recruits and is encouraged by the caliber of player that is expressing interest.
STYLE OF PLAY
Coach to win. He's had to coach deliberate play and have had teams that could go up and down the floor. While he prefers the latter, he says his philosophy will be determined by his talent.
The following is a personal opinion.
It's early yet. Coach Marlin and I are just getting to know each other. When I spoke to him shortly after the final four, I told him I was going to help him by getting the hell out of his way and letting him do his job. He thanked me. We didn't get together again until Tuesday when we had lunch. In both our private and yesterday, our public conversation, I realized that initially he reminds me of someone else when it comes to professionalism, accountability, plan to build a program and doing things right.
Tony Robichaux.
I can't pay a higher compliment than that.
Re: Bob Marlin on Bird's Eye View
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Originally Posted by ULtimateCajun
Re: Bob Marlin on Bird's Eye View
