5-ON-5 WITH RUTGERS' GARY WATERS                                                                                                                         >>> CollegeInsider.com

DAVE MAGARITY: What are your thoughts on the new-look Big East Conference?

GARY WATERS: Basketball-wise I think the Big East will cement itself as the 'best' basketball conference in America, hands down. Adding teams like Louisville, Cincinnati, Marquette, DePaul and South Florida will help to change the landscape of college basketball. I would be surprised to see this league get seven or eight teams in the NCAA tournament now.

MAGARITY: Changing gears, who is Gary Waters hero?

WATERS: I may sound like an old cliché, but my father is my hero. Today kids worship people like Michael Jordan, but I believe a true role model can only be a parent. Others will let you down, but your parents are always there for you.

MAGARITY: Would you be able to coach a Manny Ramirez?

WATERS: (laughing) That would be difficult. Manny has all the talent in the world, but he lives in his own world most of the time. I am one that coaches effort and Manny doesn't always give you his best effort. I have always been a big fan of his talents, but there is a lot more to sport than just talent.

MAGARITY: How does it feel to hold the title of America's best-dressed coach?

WATERS: (laughing) Fabulous! It's nice to be recognized for something that I enjoy so much.

MAGARITY: Fashion is a hobby of sorts for you, isn't it?

WATERS: Yes it is. It's become a hobby in the sense that I have educated myself in knowing fabrics, style and what works well. I have never been one to follow someone else's lead when it comes to my wardrobe. I like to acquire unique and hard-to-find fashions. It's something that I have gotten a lot of enjoyment out of.

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