Category Archives: MVC media

Q&A with Jim Benson, Illinois State beat writer

Jan. 16, 20086:37 p.m.

Welcome to Redbird Arena. For the first time in several years, I expect a big crowd for a WSU game at Illinois State. It’s been awhile since the community was excited about ISU hoops. Obviously, the Redbirds are giving them a good reason to show up this season. The students are back in class, and two sections are almost full 25 minutes before game time. Let’s start with a Q&A by Jim Benson, the beat writer for the Pantagraph. Jim is in his second season covering the Redbirds.

What’s the biggest difference between last season’s Redbirds and this season?

I would say it’s a combination of a couple things. Many of the key contributors were first-year players a year ago and weren’t quite ready for the intense level of play in Valley games. The other factor is coaching. Tim Jankovich has the Redbirds playing much harder on the defensive end. Offensively, ISU doesn’t have the ball in Boo Richardson’s hands all the time, especially at the end of shot clocks. There aren’t as many set plays on offense, giving the players a chance to free lance more.

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By Paul Suellentrop | Filed under Basketball, MVC media | Comments

Koch live: Kirk Seminoff’s Creighton-WSU blog

Jan. 12, 20085:49 p.m.

Final: Creighton 68, WSU 65

WSU’s final play was the same play it ran two possessions early. Mekel runs it upcourt, hits Cooz at the top of the key, then Cooz finds Mekel on the right side of the arc. Mekel was never open but had to force it.

Thanks for tuning in tonight. Be sure to check back often to Shockwaves for updates from beat writer Paul Suellentrop.

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By Kirk Seminoff | Filed under MVC media, Uncategorized | Comments

On speaker phone with us

Jan. 11, 200811:26 p.m.

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.

By Paul Suellentrop | Filed under Basketball, Gregg Marshall, MVC media | Comments