LORETTO, Pa. (Oct. 15, 2008) -- The Saint Francis men's basketball team, and first-year head coach Don Friday, will begin preparation for the 2008-09 season when the squad holds its first official team practice on Friday, October 17. Friday, who will make his Division I coaching debut on Nov. 14 at Texas Tech, sat down for a brief question and answer session to discuss his first five months on the job.
It has been just over five months since you were named the 20th head coach in the 96-year history of Saint Francis men's basketball. How has your life changed in that time, and how are you making the adjustment to Loretto. "As people I think we all tend to get anxious anytime there is change. Adjusting to a new environment, how will my family react, what are the players like?, and fitting in as a member of the athletic department. Loretto has been fantastic. We're building a home in nearby Ebensburg which reminds me a lot of my hometown of Mifflinburg, Pa. My staff has been tremendous in helping our program transition. Next to my family, my staff is the next closest thing to me and we all are committed to building a winner here at SFU. Our players are the reason we're here and they've been very coachable and diligent with the tasks at hand."
Since arriving on campus, what have you learned about Saint Francis University and its community? "Saint Francis is a close-knit group. It's family here. We've all been at places where it's corporate and they care only about what you do 9-5. People care at Saint Francis. We all pitch in and want what's best for our students and people. My wife and son have been welcomed with open arms. As a parent and spouse that makes me feel so good about my decision."
With practice beginning on Friday, this will be your opportunity to really get to know the 13 players that are currently on the roster. What have you learned about this team so far? What are some strengths and where can the team improve? "I see a group of young men who want to change the trend here in our basketball family. We have 5 seniors who will have the chance to lace up their sneakers just 29 more times. We want to give them some more and leave "the mountain" with great memories academically, socially, and ATHLETICALLY. Everyday is going to be a new page for coaches and players. It's too early to assess areas they need to improve. My style is to share the basketball on offense and leave our calling card on the defensive end of the floor."
What will be the main focus for the coaching staff during preseason camp? "We want our kids to be able to execute our game plan. I don't want to just put stuff in to get it in. I want our kids to know what we're doing, know it well, but be proficient. I learned quickly at Lycoming the kids have different mediums they learn from. We're asking our kids to learn a whole new system. In essence they are freshman again. We'll take baby steps and make sure that we do things well. It's not about what is in their playbooks, but how well they execute it."
What can fans expect when they come to watch the Red Flash play this season, and in the future? "They can expect our teams to play extremely hard and be well prepared. Our actions will do the speaking. Well done is better than well said."
Can Nov. 14th (Texas Tech) get here soon enough? Will you have family and friends traveling to your first Division I game as a head coach? "I expect some of my family and friends to make the trip. Texas Tech is big right now because it's our next game. I remember the first game on the bench at Lebanon Valley, Bucknell, and Lycoming. It's still the same, hard to sleep the night before, a pre-game countdown that lasts forever, and the rush of pride that comes over you as the National Anthem plays."
You spent nine seasons as an assistant coach at Bucknell. Will the Nov. 22 game against the Bison be any different to you than the other 28 games on the regular season schedule? "I'll have to answer that one on November 21st as Texas Tech is on the 14th according to my calander."