Diary Series check-in with Xavier Asst. Kareem Richardson

EDITOR'S NOTE - This interview was conducted prior to the Musketeers 80-73 loss against Massachusetts in Amherst on the evening of February 21, 2012.

1) You all sit at (17-9, 8-4) and control your own destiny for a first round bye in the Atlantic 10 Tournament.  What does this team need to tighten up to play at an optimal level and make sure that happens?

KR - On both of ends of the floor there are things we need to tighten up.  The two keys for us will be making sure we continue playing a tough and tight defense.  We’ve allowed teammates to feel like they are on an island at times.  Secondly, we have to continue to share the basketball on the offensive end.  We have many guys that can score and we have to make sure we are utilizing all of our weapons.

2) Most accounts have you all on the NCAA bubble.  How does you as coaches help the players to screen out that NCAA 'white noise', so to speak, and focus on winning games down the stretch and in the A10 tourney?

KR - Kids read and watch all of the talk about who is in and who is out.  We are very honest with our team.  We have a long and strong history of making the tournament and so we talk with our guys about how important every game is.  I honestly don’t think our guys are afraid to hear about the importance of every game down the stretch including the A10 tournament. 

3) What is the most surprising difference between coaching at Xavier and your previous coaching stops?

KR - The most surprising difference between coaching at Xavier and my previous coaching stops is two things: The level of play of the A10 and the awesome fan base we have.  I’ve always had a great respect for the A10 but competing in the A10 on a nightly basis has been a huge surprise.  I’m not sure if people on the outside truly understand how good of a league the A10 is.  The combination of skill and athleticism in this league is big time.  We have a tremendous fan base.  Even when we are on the road, we have a good following.  That’s when you know you have a special fan base.

4) What is Tu Holloway's best quality as a leader?

KR - There’s no question Tu Holloway’s best quality as a leader is his will to win.  I’ve coached a lot of guys in my career but Tu’s will to win every drill and game has been the best I’ve been around.  I believe the biggest key for Tu’s leadership is the fact that his will to win starts in practice.  His will to win is very contagious.  Guys know when they step on the floor with him they better be ready to give it their all to win.

5) What are your thoughts on Dez Wells' ceiling and what must he do to maximize his production and growth as a player at X over the next three years?  If there's one area for him to focus on, what is that in your estimation?

KR - Dez Wells’ ceiling is scary!  The great thing about Dez is he wants to be great.  Many players say they want to great but don’t put in that extra time working on their game…Des does!  Dez is a gym rat.  Most players in February are sprinting out of the gym as soon as practice is over…not Dez!  If continues to have his same desire over his career to be great, he will be great.  Dez is blessed with many God given abilities and combine that with a tremendous work ethic he’ll be just fine.  The one area Dez will have to work is not being so critical and hard on himself.  Dez is a perfectionist, in my opinion.

* * *