OTB Will Wade Interview 7-10-18

Coach Wade was on Off The Bench this morning with Jordy and T-Bob to talk about how summer workouts are going and outlook on the season. He is always a good interview to listen to; so here is the link and I have some notes below. Will Wade Interview

Notes:
- He and other coaches are headed out on the road tomorrow to start recruiting live period. Need to start "stacking some classes."
- Spoke about the importance of recruiting NOLA and BR areas, since that is where most of LA talent comes out of.
- Summer workouts are a bit different this year since they do not have to spend as much time on teaching culture and program building aspects. Most of that done last year and veterans teach the newbies. Allows coaches to focus more on technical skill development.
- Last year (b/c of culture) they were behind in conditioning and getting players where they needed to be. Says they have had about 4 perfect weeks so far this summer.
- Had Tremont meet with the incoming freshmen to talk about what it was like coming in as a Top 50 player to college and the lessons (and mistakes) he learned last season and what he has done to correct it. Kind of gave them an "if I had known then what I know now" speech.
- Edwards and KBW met with the Juco guys to talk to them about what it was like transferring into the program. Specifically spoke about Edwards learning that he didn't take advantage of his opportunity last summer to start working hard and earn playing time; and that it was only through an injury to another player that he got a 2nd chance during the season and finally took hold of the opportunity.
- Spoke about how much Smart has been a young leader for the team and crucial to recruiting success (even for '19 class) and eventual on court success of this freshmen class. Also said that Smart was the one who came up with the "Boot UP" slogan for the program.
- Was asked if we would see Naz, KBW, and E. Williams on the court at the same time. Said it is a possibility, but more likely to see 2 on there at a time, and only 1 at others.
- Last year the offense was based solely around ball screens, and if other teams stopped it, then they were dead. Staff has put in some "continuity" elements (motion offense) for this year to help with when other teams stop the ball screen action.

Coolest parts of interview:
- Said we have "upgraded at the 3 spot," in large part due to Marlon Taylor and development of Edwards. Gave a good background story on Taylor and how he got into basketball in h.s. Said he was a really good baseball player, and that one day the team had to go into gym for practice. When the basketball coach passed through gym, he saw Taylor dunking a baseball over and over on side goal, then told Taylor he was going to play for the basketball team and the rest was history. Taylor is still raw and learning the nuances of game, but his athletic ability covers up a lot of his "sins." Also talked about how Verge Ausberry was jokingly trying to recruit Taylor over to the football team (due to his size and athleticism) when Taylor was on his official visit and was on the sideline for the Spring Game. Wade said he reminded Verge that he oversees basketball program too and to back off.

- Ended interview saying that if they get program to where they envision it being in a few years, then they will look back and say that getting Waters and Smart were the 2 keys to turning the program around and making it what it is.

ETA: Part about NOLA/BR recruiting and team upgrading at the 3 spot.