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5-ON-5
WITH TENNESSEE'S BUZZ PETERSON
>>> CollegeInsider.com
DAVE
MAGARITY: Taking the job at Tennessee was like coming home
for you, wasn't it?
BUZZ PETERSON: In the back of my mind this is a job
that I have always thought that I would love to have. My grand
dad is from Knoxville, my dad went to school here and there
are a lot of relatives in the area. It is something that I
always dreamed about but I didn’t ever know if it would come
true or not. That’s why, when this job did come open, I was
very anxious about it.
MAGARITY: Having spent many years as an assistant, what
was the most surprising thing for you, when you became a head
coach for the first time, in 1996 at Appalachian State?
PETERSON: Now, as a head coach, a lot of the decisions
that are made, you have to finalize them. that’s why you
really have to make sure you have the right thinking cap on
when you make that final decision, even when you are angry.
I’ve always said, ‘You move over 18 inches and things change a
little bit.’ There are a lot of decisions, whether during the
offseason or whenever. But, it is something that I dreamed of,
being a head coach. There is a lot of decision making and you
have to make sure that you make wise decisions.
MAGARITY: Aside from Coach Dean Smith, who are some
others that have helped to mold your coaching style?
PETERSON: Besides Coach Smith, Coach (Bill) Guthridge
and Roy Williams are some guys that I talk to a lot. I have
friends who I talk to a lot, whether it is Steve Alford, Murry
Bartow, Rick Barnes or Tim Floyd. We talk basketball a lot.
But, as far as crucial things, Coach Smith, Coach Williams and
Coach Guthridge are the guys I listen to a lot. Of course,
Coach (Pat) Summitt and I have developed a great relationship
since I have been at Tennessee. We strategize and think about
both teams and give ideas to help each other out.
MAGARITY: Do you ever remind your friend, Michael
Jordan that he did finish second to Buzz Peterson for the
title of North Carolina High School Player of the Year?
PETERSON: All the time. I always remind him that he was
runner-up and I always remind him that I am a better swimmer
than he is. He’s not the best athlete. I am the best athlete.
MAGARITY: I remember Angela Lento (CollegeInsider.com)
writing last season that you are one of the most sincere,
honest and down-to-earth coaches in America. I'd imagine that
compliment has to be better than any actual coaching accolade?
PETERSON: My parents raised me to be honest and to
carry myself with a high integrity. In this profession, you
are tested a lot. It can go either high or low. I try to keep
everything right in the middle, as even as possible. My mom
always told me to tell the truth, be honest and smile a lot.
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