WSU basketball coach Gregg Marshall did an interview with an Omaha radio station earlier this week. Apparently, it did not go as either party planned.
Gregg seemed unhappy with the whole thing. The host, Matt Perrault of Big Sports 590, is less than satisfied with the answers and spends several minutes letting his audience know after the conclusion of the interview. Gregg could have been a little more tolerant and talkative. After all, MVC coaches routinely do these kind of interviews and fans enjoy hearing about other teams. It’s all part of the give and take of promoting the conference.
The questions were not out of line or combative. They were designed to get Gregg to talk about the Shockers, which seems reasonable. Perrault could have been better prepared. Not knowing WSU’s record got things started badly. His rant after the interview went on a little long. It is too bad nobody discovered they have common ground as Red Sox fans. That might have gotten things off on a better note.
I have learned that Gregg takes questions literally in many cases. If you ask him if a team has hit rock bottom, be prepared to discuss rock bottom. Gregg has been fine to deal with for the Wichita media, as far as I know. It may take Valley media time to figure him out, and vice versa.
Regardless, it’s an entertaining segment, if you like uncomfortable pauses and barely restrained hostility.