by mrtimn23 » Thu Apr 21, 2016 7:17 pm
Off Season Radio Interview with Stevie Saracen on 101.5 The Scoop
Stevie Saracen: Welcome to The Scoop with Stevie Saracen! I am here today with the new Head Ball coach over at Texas State, Ryan Winters! Ryan, glad you could make it onto the show today.
Ryan Winters: Thanks Stevie! It is my pleasure.
SS: So let’s get right to it. 27 years old and already in charge of your own DI basketball program. How are you feeling right now?
RW: [Laughs] Well, it’s an honor first of all. Not many people get to be put in my position but I am extremely excited to make an impact on this great program. Fred Martin really thought that I had learned from the best and he wanted me to bring the same aspects to Texas State that made programs like UNC and New Mexico great.
SS: So what do you think of team? Can we expect you to lead the Bobcats to a National Championship this season?
RW: I’ll do my best! [Laughs] I think we have some solid talent coming back to the Bobcats this year. Mark Saunders is a senior and the team leader as our starting point guard, Shannon Hancock can really fill up the basket and he will probably start opposite of Saunders in the backcourt. Now keep in mind, I have not had much contact with these guys basketball wise. We have met and been talking through our expectations but I won’t get a clear picture until we open up practice in October.
SS: Tell me a bit about Jay Williams and what his leaving means?
RW: When I was first hired, I had a team meeting and then individual meetings with every player to discuss what is best for every player. Jay may not have put up a lot of numbers but as a senior, he was still a leader and we will feel his loss. It was a mutual decision that it may be best for him to pursue his last year of eligibility at a different college.
SS: It didn’t take long though to fill in that last remaining scholarship though?
RW: No, we were fortunate to come into contact with Todd Grant, who was unhappy with his current situation and we brought him in and it took him less than a week to sign. And man, is this kid a player, I think he averaged 9 points and 5 boards as a sophomore at UAB. He will be ineligible this year due to transfer rules but he will be an instant starter next season for sure.
SS: So what are your plans for the future?
RW: Me and my top assistant, Todd Gaines, will be hitting the recruiting trail hard this summer. We have to fill 4 scholarships for next season and we hope to land a few gems to help us out next year.
SS: Well, thank you Coach Winters, that’s all we have time for. It’s always great when a Coach takes the time off of his busy schedule to come in and talk to us. I hope you come back soon and keep us updated.
RW: Thanks to you too, Stevie. I’ll see you around.
[Interview fades to latest Pop hit by Justin Bieber]