Only three teams in America have yet to lose a conference road
game. Two are ranked and the third has quietly had an equally
impressive run. While Illinois and Pacific have had tremendous
season’s to date, Davidson has dominated the Southern
Conference.
Back in November I read some telling commentary on Davidson by
CI’s editor-in-chief, Joe Dwyer. He wrote, “Nobody gets more
out what he has to work with then Bob McKillop. His
teams are always competitive, but when he has a talented
roster his teams are always among the top mid-major squads in
the country. And this season he has a lot of talent so you can
mark it down -- Davidson will be one of the top five mid-major
programs in the country.”
Well that was a pretty good prediction.
McKillop is more than just an outstanding coach. He is one of
the most engaging individuals in the profession. A scholar of
world history and an international speaker, McKillop carries
himself with class and dignity. I would also point out that he
has also been recognized as one of America’s best-dressed
coaches, with an appearance in the 2002 Runway to the
Fashionable 4, in Atlanta, GA. The creator of the Fashionable
4, Angela Lento referred to Bob as having "Presidential
qualities."
He is truly the total package.
I caught up with Bob earlier this week.
DAVE MAGARITY: It's amazing to me that a team can be 15-0
in conference and not be getting more national attention. Talk
about your impressive run in the Southern Conference.
BOB MCKILLOP: Given the landscape of college basketball
today, with parity so evident, it’s a real statement for us to
go unbeaten on the road in conference play. It’s a credit to
the players who really responded after a tough early-season
schedule. In many ways our team was unmasked. Our weaknesses
were exposed. But it’s one thing to recognize your
shortcomings and it’s another thing to be committed to work
and improve upon those shortcomings. They have done that. It’s
a special group.
MAGARITY: What makes this team so special?
MCKILLOP: Maturity and experience. Our two seniors (Conor
Grace and Logan Kosmalski) have provided great leadership.
Beyond that it has been our great balance. We have had six
guys score 20 or more points in a game this season. We have
had so many different people step up and make a play in the
closing moments. Not all of those plays have been big shots.
We have had guys make steals, defensive stops and draw fouls.
It has been a different guy and a different way every night.
MAGARITY: This season you played a very tough
non-league schedule, but last season the non-conference slate
was extremely challenging (with the likes of Texas Tech, North
Carolina, Charlotte, Georgetown, Seton Hall and Duke). How
much did that experience help your team this season?
MCKILLOP: Before we put together this season’s
schedule, we spoke with the team. That schedule was tough on
them. They got knocked to the mat last season. Their response
was, “Coach we think we learned a lot. We are a year older and
a year wiser and we think we can handle it.” When a team buys
in they assume ownership of a challenge. That is what this
group did.
MAGARITY: Brendan Winters is a terrific player who
deserves all the accolades he has received. However, most
people don't realize that you have a terrific backcourt with
Matty and Kenny Grant. Talk about this tandem.
MCKILLOP: I would also add Jason Morton to that group.
Jason comes off the bench and gives us some really good
double-digit minutes. He brings something to the court that
Matt and Kenny don’t and that is a lot of athleticism. He can
shoot the three very well also, but his athleticism and
instant energy are assets. Kenny is one of the best point
guards that I have ever coached. He is truly the catalyst at
both ends of the floor for us.
MAGARITY: Including myself, you are one of many coaches
that have had the opportunity to coach his son. What has that
experience been like?
MCKILLOP: I really researched it. I spoke with Billy
Hahn (La Salle), Phil Martelli (St. Joseph’s) and Jim
Larranaga (George Mason) to get their perspectives. To a man
they spoke about how it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
They spoke about sharing passion and emotion that you would
not normally share with your son. It has made me a better
coach. It has helped to remind me that every player is the son
of a father and a mother. It’s been a nice reminder that a
coach should treat every player like his own son.
MAGARITY: Back in your days at Holy Trinity, you taught
history. I am curious, which historical leaders do you think
would have also made great basketball coaches?
MCKILLOP: That’s a great question. St. Paul would be
one. His toughness and willingness to believe in the cause
really come through in his writings. He never surrendered or
submitted for what he believed in.
Winston Churchill is another. He galvanized a nation. In the
midst of an incredible assault by the Germans, he kept his
country united and focused. England was teetering on the brink
or total collapse, but he was able to rally them.
I would also have to say Julius Cesar. His leadership as a
General was remarkable. In 49 B.C. he made a bold move by
crossing the Rubicon River. He uttered the words “iacta alea
est” -- the die has been cast. He was a great leader on the
battlefield and his men were loyal to him.
MAGARITY: If you had an opportunity to sit down, for a
cup of coffee, with anyone from history, who would it be and
why?
MCKILLOP: Jesus Christ. As a devout Catholic there
could be no one else.
MAGARITY: Best of luck the rest of the way coach.
MCKILLOP: Thanks Dave. I really appreciate all that you
and CollegeInsider.com have done for college basketball.
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