1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,731 This is a production of WKNO-Memphis. 2 00:00:02,731 --> 00:00:06,064 Production funding for 'Sports Files' is made possible in part 3 00:00:06,064 --> 00:00:15,331 by.. 4 00:00:15,331 --> 00:00:17,764 My guest today on Sports Files is the Head Coach of the Memphis 5 00:00:17,764 --> 00:00:20,064 Grizzlies Lionel Hollins. 6 00:00:20,064 --> 00:00:36,464 ♪♪♪ 7 00:00:36,464 --> 00:00:39,031 The Grizzlies find themselves down two games to none to the LA 8 00:00:39,031 --> 00:00:41,898 Clippers in their best of seven first round playoff series. 9 00:00:41,898 --> 00:00:45,431 Game three is taking place at FedExForum as we speak. 10 00:00:45,431 --> 00:00:47,398 In game one the Grizz were embarrassed by their 11 00:00:47,398 --> 00:00:50,231 counterparts but came back strong in game two, 12 00:00:50,231 --> 00:00:53,931 only to lose on a last second off balance bank shot by Clips 13 00:00:53,931 --> 00:00:56,031 superstar guard Chris Paul. 14 00:00:56,031 --> 00:00:59,298 To win this series and advance the Grizz now have to win four 15 00:00:59,298 --> 00:01:00,698 of the remaining five games. 16 00:01:00,698 --> 00:01:03,031 A tall order to say the least. 17 00:01:03,031 --> 00:01:04,698 But no matter what happens the rest of the way, 18 00:01:04,698 --> 00:01:08,298 the biggest question for the team this off season is arguably 19 00:01:08,298 --> 00:01:10,331 the fate of Head Coach Lionel Hollins. 20 00:01:10,331 --> 00:01:12,564 His contract runs out at season's end, 21 00:01:12,564 --> 00:01:16,098 and CEO Jason Levien has made no indication on whether or not the 22 00:01:16,098 --> 00:01:19,031 organization plans to re-sign the veteran coach. 23 00:01:19,031 --> 00:01:22,131 Levien became the CEO and managing partner of the Grizz 24 00:01:22,131 --> 00:01:25,631 just prior to the start of the season and understandably wants 25 00:01:25,631 --> 00:01:28,064 ample time to evaluate Hollins. 26 00:01:28,064 --> 00:01:30,431 Now there's no telling what Levien is looking for, 27 00:01:30,431 --> 00:01:33,098 or whether or not The Grizz have to advance in the playoffs for 28 00:01:33,098 --> 00:01:34,631 Hollins to get a new deal. 29 00:01:34,631 --> 00:01:38,231 If the decision was solely based on the regular season then it's 30 00:01:38,231 --> 00:01:39,231 a no-brainer. 31 00:01:39,231 --> 00:01:42,064 The team set franchise records for total wins in a season with 32 00:01:42,064 --> 00:01:43,164 56. 33 00:01:43,164 --> 00:01:46,664 In addition they set marks for home and road victories. 34 00:01:46,664 --> 00:01:49,364 Today I go one on one with the coach of the Grizzlies. 35 00:01:49,364 --> 00:01:52,198 A man who speaks his mind and is not afraid to ruffle some 36 00:01:52,198 --> 00:01:53,198 feathers. 37 00:01:53,198 --> 00:01:54,931 It's Lionel Hollins on the season, 38 00:01:54,931 --> 00:02:00,631 the challenge of beating the Clippers and his future next on 39 00:02:00,631 --> 00:02:02,664 'Sports Files'. 40 00:02:02,664 --> 00:02:10,364 ♪♪♪ 41 00:02:10,364 --> 00:02:12,031 Well Lionel, thank you so much for spenidng some time with me. 42 00:02:12,031 --> 00:02:13,431 I appreciate it. 43 00:02:13,431 --> 00:02:18,498 56 wins for everything that's going down this season with off 44 00:02:18,498 --> 00:02:21,364 the court, on the court, player personnel changes. 45 00:02:21,364 --> 00:02:23,698 You have to be very impressed with what this team was able to 46 00:02:23,698 --> 00:02:24,698 do. 47 00:02:24,698 --> 00:02:26,398 Well, I'm happy with what we've accomplished. 48 00:02:26,398 --> 00:02:27,398 I told them that last night. 49 00:02:27,398 --> 00:02:32,131 I said, "You know, we've overcome a lot of adversity and 50 00:02:32,131 --> 00:02:36,264 we were able to survive and keep going and be in strong as it is 51 00:02:36,264 --> 00:02:39,164 a testiment to your character, to your mental toughness and 52 00:02:39,164 --> 00:02:40,798 your will to want to win." 53 00:02:40,798 --> 00:02:44,031 And it's been a hard season. 54 00:02:44,031 --> 00:02:49,631 I mean, we started out with double D's death on opening day 55 00:02:49,631 --> 00:02:50,631 of training camp. 56 00:02:50,631 --> 00:02:55,231 And then Kenny Williamson passed away shortly after that. 57 00:02:55,231 --> 00:02:58,631 And we had already dealt with Gene Bartow's death last year. 58 00:02:58,631 --> 00:02:59,564 Right. 59 00:02:59,564 --> 00:03:01,464 And then there was the ownership change. 60 00:03:01,464 --> 00:03:04,764 And we had a couple of players who had family members passed 61 00:03:04,764 --> 00:03:06,631 away during the season. 62 00:03:06,631 --> 00:03:11,531 And then, you know, all the trade rumors swirling around, 63 00:03:11,531 --> 00:03:12,531 the trades. 64 00:03:12,531 --> 00:03:17,431 And then Mike Heisley having a stroke and going in a coma. 65 00:03:17,431 --> 00:03:20,498 And adding all the new players that we added. 66 00:03:20,498 --> 00:03:24,698 But I always said that when you go through adversity, 67 00:03:24,698 --> 00:03:26,464 it really shows what you're made of. 68 00:03:26,464 --> 00:03:31,864 And when you still succeed, it is very gratifying. 69 00:03:31,864 --> 00:03:34,764 And the other thing is that everybody has a story. 70 00:03:34,764 --> 00:03:37,698 And the people that succeed are talking about what they 71 00:03:37,698 --> 00:03:38,698 overcame. 72 00:03:38,698 --> 00:03:40,664 And the people that fell are talking about what kept them 73 00:03:40,664 --> 00:03:41,764 from being success. 74 00:03:41,764 --> 00:03:47,164 And you know, it's powerful to go and tell what you overcame 75 00:03:47,164 --> 00:03:49,098 and still became a success. 76 00:03:49,098 --> 00:03:51,131 And I thought we had a very successful season. 77 00:03:51,131 --> 00:03:53,698 With all that said, all the things you brought up, 78 00:03:53,698 --> 00:03:56,898 is this the most gratifying coaching season for you? 79 00:03:56,898 --> 00:03:59,431 And was it the most challenging as well? 80 00:03:59,431 --> 00:04:02,031 They're all challenging and I wouldn't say the most and most 81 00:04:02,031 --> 00:04:03,031 gratifying. 82 00:04:03,031 --> 00:04:04,898 Every year is gratifying because every year is different. 83 00:04:04,898 --> 00:04:08,431 Every year has it's own challenges and you always have 84 00:04:08,431 --> 00:04:10,264 adversity that you have to deal with. 85 00:04:10,264 --> 00:04:12,898 And you know, we've had injuries in the past. 86 00:04:12,898 --> 00:04:15,431 And we've had to deal with those things. 87 00:04:15,431 --> 00:04:21,431 And you know, they're probably, I won't say the most. 88 00:04:21,431 --> 00:04:24,531 We had a lot of stuff to go off, a lot of different things. 89 00:04:24,531 --> 00:04:27,231 And some of it, you know, is out of your control. 90 00:04:27,231 --> 00:04:29,131 And you know, you just keep going. 91 00:04:29,131 --> 00:04:33,298 But when somebody gets injured and misses the whole season or 92 00:04:33,298 --> 00:04:36,731 misses a big part of the season like we had Zach get hurt last 93 00:04:36,731 --> 00:04:37,731 year. 94 00:04:37,731 --> 00:04:39,931 You know, that was a lot to overcome. 95 00:04:39,931 --> 00:04:44,898 And you know, we've been where Rudy Gay gets hurt just before 96 00:04:44,898 --> 00:04:46,064 the trade deadline. 97 00:04:46,064 --> 00:04:48,831 And we overcome that. 98 00:04:48,831 --> 00:04:52,631 So every year it's something and it's all gratifying when you 99 00:04:52,631 --> 00:04:53,964 overcome and succeed. 100 00:04:53,964 --> 00:04:56,164 You build up this incredible chemistry especially with the 101 00:04:56,164 --> 00:04:57,164 core players. 102 00:04:57,164 --> 00:04:58,698 And I remember the old mid season, 103 00:04:58,698 --> 00:05:00,164 the trade is made. 104 00:05:00,164 --> 00:05:03,798 And there were a couple of tough games right off the bat with the 105 00:05:03,798 --> 00:05:05,731 new players coming in which is to be expected. 106 00:05:05,731 --> 00:05:09,698 But the chemsitry you found very quickly with Tayshaun 107 00:05:09,698 --> 00:05:12,264 coming in and Austin and Ed. 108 00:05:12,264 --> 00:05:13,831 Why did it seem easy? 109 00:05:13,831 --> 00:05:16,031 I know it probably wasn't but to us watching, 110 00:05:16,031 --> 00:05:18,731 it seemed like that chemistry came together very quickly. 111 00:05:18,731 --> 00:05:22,464 Well, I think that it's a testiment to who they are. 112 00:05:22,464 --> 00:05:26,198 Tayshaun, Ed and Austin are all good kids. 113 00:05:26,198 --> 00:05:29,698 And our players took to them right away and embraced them and 114 00:05:29,698 --> 00:05:32,231 tried to help them with their learning curve. 115 00:05:32,231 --> 00:05:36,131 And they were willing to allow us to coach them and try to 116 00:05:36,131 --> 00:05:37,131 help. 117 00:05:37,131 --> 00:05:38,131 They didn't come in with an ego and say, 118 00:05:38,131 --> 00:05:39,498 "I need this", "I need that". 119 00:05:39,498 --> 00:05:41,331 They just fit in where ever they could. 120 00:05:41,331 --> 00:05:44,231 And their roles have kept expanding as we've gone along. 121 00:05:44,231 --> 00:05:45,864 As I've gotten more comfortable with them, 122 00:05:45,864 --> 00:05:48,231 the players have gotten more comfortable with them. 123 00:05:48,231 --> 00:05:50,698 And we understand what they bring to the party a little 124 00:05:50,698 --> 00:05:51,698 more. 125 00:05:51,698 --> 00:05:53,798 They've contributed more. 126 00:05:53,798 --> 00:05:56,931 The Clippers first round, the team you played last year in the 127 00:05:56,931 --> 00:05:59,131 first round and lost a tough seven-game series to them. 128 00:05:59,131 --> 00:06:01,964 What makes them such a difficult opponent? 129 00:06:01,964 --> 00:06:03,464 They're talented. 130 00:06:03,464 --> 00:06:05,364 They have one of the best power forwards in the game and they 131 00:06:05,364 --> 00:06:06,864 have one of the best point guards in the game. 132 00:06:06,864 --> 00:06:09,764 I mean, they have a lot of role players that are pretty good. 133 00:06:09,764 --> 00:06:12,398 I mean, Jamal Crawford has been six man of the year before. 134 00:06:12,398 --> 00:06:13,398 Right. 135 00:06:13,398 --> 00:06:15,364 And he's a very talented kid. 136 00:06:15,364 --> 00:06:20,364 You know, Deandre Jordan is an up and coming center who is long 137 00:06:20,364 --> 00:06:23,364 and blocks shots and atheltic, runs the court very well. 138 00:06:23,364 --> 00:06:24,364 They added Lamar Odum. 139 00:06:24,364 --> 00:06:25,498 They added Grant Hill. 140 00:06:25,498 --> 00:06:27,864 They have Chauncy Billups who's won championships. 141 00:06:27,864 --> 00:06:31,098 When you start going down the list of players they have, 142 00:06:31,098 --> 00:06:35,764 they have a lot of players that have had very good resumes. 143 00:06:35,764 --> 00:06:40,298 And so, talent makes them tough and they're competitive will 144 00:06:40,298 --> 00:06:41,298 makes them tough. 145 00:06:41,298 --> 00:06:43,964 And what's interesting is just the year seperating the last 146 00:06:43,964 --> 00:06:45,764 time you played them in the play-offs, 147 00:06:45,764 --> 00:06:47,898 a lot of the cast of characters have changed for them. 148 00:06:47,898 --> 00:06:51,031 Some of the role players that were instrumental in helping 149 00:06:51,031 --> 00:06:52,864 them beat you last year are gone. 150 00:06:52,864 --> 00:06:54,964 So the personnel has changed a bit for them. 151 00:06:54,964 --> 00:06:56,698 Well, that happens every year. 152 00:06:56,698 --> 00:06:58,031 That's why I said people talk about, 153 00:06:58,031 --> 00:07:00,564 "Well, you had a losing streak against this team for the last." 154 00:07:00,564 --> 00:07:02,431 Well, everybody's not here. 155 00:07:02,431 --> 00:07:05,031 You know, the guys that are here don't know about that and really 156 00:07:05,031 --> 00:07:06,031 don't care about it. 157 00:07:06,031 --> 00:07:07,031 It just it is. 158 00:07:07,031 --> 00:07:08,431 And it's the same now because, you know, 159 00:07:08,431 --> 00:07:09,464 every year, things change. 160 00:07:09,464 --> 00:07:12,431 We have a lot of personnel turn over from last year as well. 161 00:07:12,431 --> 00:07:13,864 I think they went a little quicker. 162 00:07:13,864 --> 00:07:23,598 They had Martin and they had Reggie Evans who are two banged 163 00:07:23,598 --> 00:07:27,464 and really were physical with us last year. 164 00:07:27,464 --> 00:07:30,164 Both of those guys are gone but they brought in Lamar Odum who 165 00:07:30,164 --> 00:07:35,164 can play and shoot threes on the ball and transition and become a 166 00:07:35,164 --> 00:07:38,798 more of another play maker for their team as they have enough 167 00:07:38,798 --> 00:07:39,731 already. 168 00:07:39,731 --> 00:07:41,831 But they add another guy. 169 00:07:41,831 --> 00:07:44,531 So, you know, they have the improvement of the players that 170 00:07:44,531 --> 00:07:45,364 are remaining. 171 00:07:45,364 --> 00:07:47,364 Deandre Jordan has made significant improvment. 172 00:07:47,364 --> 00:07:49,398 So has Blake Griffin. 173 00:07:49,398 --> 00:07:53,931 And so they become better just from within and with the 174 00:07:53,931 --> 00:07:55,198 additions that they made. 175 00:07:55,198 --> 00:07:57,631 We talked earlier about some of the changes that you guys have 176 00:07:57,631 --> 00:07:58,631 made. 177 00:07:58,631 --> 00:08:01,164 This is not a change but a big difference from going in to the 178 00:08:01,164 --> 00:08:03,864 play-offs last year and this year is a.. 179 00:08:03,864 --> 00:08:08,064 It seems like a 100 percent healthy Zach Randolph as opposed 180 00:08:08,064 --> 00:08:09,864 to the situation he was in last year. 181 00:08:09,864 --> 00:08:10,864 Well, of course. 182 00:08:10,864 --> 00:08:12,331 I mean, Zach had just come back. 183 00:08:12,331 --> 00:08:16,131 I think we had like six or seven games before the season ended 184 00:08:16,131 --> 00:08:18,198 and he was coming off the bench until the last season. 185 00:08:18,198 --> 00:08:21,498 And he really wasn't ready strength wise and conditioning 186 00:08:21,498 --> 00:08:23,798 wise to be what he wanted to be. 187 00:08:23,798 --> 00:08:27,831 So you know, that was a little bit of a glitch in our game 188 00:08:27,831 --> 00:08:28,831 plan. 189 00:08:28,831 --> 00:08:32,098 But you know, we had a good year and it was a tough play-off 190 00:08:32,098 --> 00:08:33,298 series and they are going to win. 191 00:08:33,298 --> 00:08:35,631 You know, people talk, "Well, you blew a 27 if you hadn't done 192 00:08:35,631 --> 00:08:37,264 that.' Well, we did. 193 00:08:37,264 --> 00:08:38,298 That's all part of it. 194 00:08:38,298 --> 00:08:41,464 And you know, we went to LA and beat them in LA. 195 00:08:41,464 --> 00:08:43,631 And then we came home and we couldn't win in the seventh game 196 00:08:43,631 --> 00:08:44,631 at home. 197 00:08:44,631 --> 00:08:45,731 We didn't play particularly well. 198 00:08:45,731 --> 00:08:48,298 And they earned the right to move on. 199 00:08:48,298 --> 00:08:51,931 And you know, here we are at it again. 200 00:08:51,931 --> 00:08:56,031 Contrasting styles for the most part but I would think you look 201 00:08:56,031 --> 00:08:59,364 at the series as a pretty evenly matched up series. 202 00:08:59,364 --> 00:09:01,364 Oh, it's been evenly matched up. 203 00:09:01,364 --> 00:09:03,931 You know, even during the season. 204 00:09:03,931 --> 00:09:06,798 You know, they've beaten us three our of four times but the 205 00:09:06,798 --> 00:09:08,531 games are often relatively close. 206 00:09:08,531 --> 00:09:11,964 And you know, they.. 207 00:09:11,964 --> 00:09:13,664 As they said the last game they had here, 208 00:09:13,664 --> 00:09:15,798 they had been talking about it for a week. 209 00:09:15,798 --> 00:09:17,231 And they wanted that game. 210 00:09:17,231 --> 00:09:22,231 And they almost gave it back playing Sacramento last game of 211 00:09:22,231 --> 00:09:23,231 the season. 212 00:09:23,231 --> 00:09:24,864 But they overcame and they got home court advantage. 213 00:09:24,864 --> 00:09:27,231 You guys, and I'm sure you're probably not in to this. 214 00:09:27,231 --> 00:09:32,864 But does the team look at LA as their rival, 215 00:09:32,864 --> 00:09:33,864 their main rival? 216 00:09:33,864 --> 00:09:34,864 Is it Oklahoma City? 217 00:09:34,864 --> 00:09:36,364 Do they even care about something like that or is that 218 00:09:36,364 --> 00:09:37,398 something for the fans? 219 00:09:37,398 --> 00:09:38,831 I don't know who the main rival is. 220 00:09:38,831 --> 00:09:40,864 I thought, you know, a couple of years ago it was supposed to be 221 00:09:40,864 --> 00:09:42,364 Oklahoma City. 222 00:09:42,364 --> 00:09:44,031 You know, now it's the Clippers, You know, 223 00:09:44,031 --> 00:09:45,531 when you play somebody in the play-offs, 224 00:09:45,531 --> 00:09:48,131 it becomes a rivalry for a while. 225 00:09:48,131 --> 00:09:51,464 But this one's going to grow because we're going to play them 226 00:09:51,464 --> 00:09:52,664 two straight years in the play-offs. 227 00:09:52,664 --> 00:09:55,064 So it could develop in to one. 228 00:09:55,064 --> 00:09:57,864 Lionel, the development of Mike Conley is incredible. 229 00:09:57,864 --> 00:09:59,064 We know what he can do on the court. 230 00:09:59,064 --> 00:10:02,331 He's become now, seems like more of a scorer. 231 00:10:02,331 --> 00:10:03,764 Once the trade was made with Rudy, 232 00:10:03,764 --> 00:10:06,498 he's taken big shots down the stretch in close games. 233 00:10:06,498 --> 00:10:07,798 But his leadership also. 234 00:10:07,798 --> 00:10:09,331 We're seeing the leadership of Mike Conley. 235 00:10:09,331 --> 00:10:10,864 Can you talk about his development? 236 00:10:10,864 --> 00:10:12,598 Well, it's all growth and maturity. 237 00:10:12,598 --> 00:10:13,698 I mean, when he came in the league, 238 00:10:13,698 --> 00:10:16,164 he was a 19-year-old kid, you know, 239 00:10:16,164 --> 00:10:19,864 weighed about 165 pounds and wasn't really ready for the NBA. 240 00:10:19,864 --> 00:10:21,698 And you know, he's matured. 241 00:10:21,698 --> 00:10:25,331 He's worked on his shooting to become a fabulous shooter. 242 00:10:25,331 --> 00:10:26,931 He worked on defense. 243 00:10:26,931 --> 00:10:28,564 He worked on his body. 244 00:10:28,564 --> 00:10:31,631 And as he's been around and you get comfortable with the people 245 00:10:31,631 --> 00:10:35,898 you're around and they start allowing you to be yourself and 246 00:10:35,898 --> 00:10:37,464 allowing you to lead. 247 00:10:37,464 --> 00:10:41,698 And he's stepped up in that area as well. 248 00:10:41,698 --> 00:10:47,564 How can you look back at a season after you put together 249 00:10:47,564 --> 00:10:49,664 the season you did winning 56 games, 250 00:10:49,664 --> 00:10:50,998 setting records for home victory, 251 00:10:50,998 --> 00:10:54,098 setting records for wins on the road. 252 00:10:54,098 --> 00:10:57,631 But if you lose this series, is it a disappointment? 253 00:10:57,631 --> 00:10:59,331 Is it still successful season? 254 00:10:59,331 --> 00:11:00,764 How do you look back at it? 255 00:11:00,764 --> 00:11:03,298 Well, losing the series would be disappointing but they still had 256 00:11:03,298 --> 00:11:04,298 a successful season. 257 00:11:04,298 --> 00:11:08,164 Every team that goes in is going to lose a play-off series at 258 00:11:08,164 --> 00:11:09,164 some point. 259 00:11:09,164 --> 00:11:10,164 Except for one, right? 260 00:11:10,164 --> 00:11:11,164 Except for one. 261 00:11:11,164 --> 00:11:15,564 And people have expectations because of your record. 262 00:11:15,564 --> 00:11:19,464 And you know, a few years ago, San Antonio won 61 games. 263 00:11:19,464 --> 00:11:22,798 They lost to us in the first round. 264 00:11:22,798 --> 00:11:23,798 It happens. 265 00:11:23,798 --> 00:11:26,264 You got to go out and win and it doesn't matter what your record 266 00:11:26,264 --> 00:11:27,264 is. 267 00:11:27,264 --> 00:11:28,431 It doesn't matter what your seeding is. 268 00:11:28,431 --> 00:11:30,364 It doesn't matter about home court advantage. 269 00:11:30,364 --> 00:11:34,298 It means you know, you start out and you get the first two games 270 00:11:34,298 --> 00:11:36,864 at home and you have the seventh game home if it goes seven 271 00:11:36,864 --> 00:11:37,864 games. 272 00:11:37,864 --> 00:11:41,498 But it's not a guarantee of winning anything. 273 00:11:41,498 --> 00:11:44,598 And too often, people go, "Oh, they got the number one seed." 274 00:11:44,598 --> 00:11:46,264 "They're going to win the championship." 275 00:11:46,264 --> 00:11:48,598 Doesn't mean that Oklahoma City is going to win the championship 276 00:11:48,598 --> 00:11:49,598 for having the number one seed. 277 00:11:49,598 --> 00:11:51,864 They've got to go through the process just like every body 278 00:11:51,864 --> 00:11:52,864 else. 279 00:11:52,864 --> 00:11:53,864 Exactly. 280 00:11:53,864 --> 00:11:55,131 How do people around the country whether it be in the media or 281 00:11:55,131 --> 00:11:57,231 just fans in general are starting to catch on to this 282 00:11:57,231 --> 00:11:59,464 Grizzlies team, this Grit and Grind, 283 00:11:59,464 --> 00:12:02,064 this physical team that goes out there and brings their lunch 284 00:12:02,064 --> 00:12:03,398 pail to basketball games? 285 00:12:03,398 --> 00:12:07,664 And you may not care Lionel, but do you feel you get the credit 286 00:12:07,664 --> 00:12:10,864 that you deserve as a team, as a very formidable team? 287 00:12:10,864 --> 00:12:13,631 Well, Obviously media in general, 288 00:12:13,631 --> 00:12:17,698 especially the national media, they don't know every team and 289 00:12:17,698 --> 00:12:19,031 what they have. 290 00:12:19,031 --> 00:12:23,764 They know the star-studded teams, 291 00:12:23,764 --> 00:12:26,831 you know, Oklahoma City with Durant and Westbrook, 292 00:12:26,831 --> 00:12:28,031 Miami. 293 00:12:28,031 --> 00:12:29,331 Paul with the Clippers. 294 00:12:29,331 --> 00:12:32,731 Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant with the Lakers and Howard and Nash. 295 00:12:32,731 --> 00:12:36,664 I mean, those guys are going to the championship in LA when the 296 00:12:36,664 --> 00:12:37,664 trades were made. 297 00:12:37,664 --> 00:12:39,164 But you know, it's.. 298 00:12:39,164 --> 00:12:41,531 you've got to go play. 299 00:12:41,531 --> 00:12:43,831 And it doesn't matter what people think of you. 300 00:12:43,831 --> 00:12:47,531 It's what you think of yourself and what your opponents think of 301 00:12:47,531 --> 00:12:49,198 you after they've played you. 302 00:12:49,198 --> 00:12:50,364 That's really important. 303 00:12:50,364 --> 00:12:53,098 You go out there and you make them come and pat you on the 304 00:12:53,098 --> 00:12:56,464 butt, win or lose, and let them know that they've been in a dog 305 00:12:56,464 --> 00:13:00,398 fight and that you're going to be there every night and they're 306 00:13:00,398 --> 00:13:01,764 going to have to bring their best to beat you. 307 00:13:01,764 --> 00:13:02,764 And that's what's important. 308 00:13:02,764 --> 00:13:06,531 Right, this interview is airing during game three. 309 00:13:06,531 --> 00:13:09,531 And game four coming up this Saturday at FedEx Forum, 310 00:13:09,531 --> 00:13:14,831 the home court with the fans euphoria in Memphis about this 311 00:13:14,831 --> 00:13:15,831 team. 312 00:13:15,831 --> 00:13:18,464 How imporant is it that you play the gamed the game a long time 313 00:13:18,464 --> 00:13:21,731 to have that in the back ground, to hear the cheers for you? 314 00:13:21,731 --> 00:13:26,798 Well, you derive energy from it when you come in. 315 00:13:26,798 --> 00:13:31,398 As soon as you come in and the crowd is all in white and the 316 00:13:31,398 --> 00:13:34,164 towels are swirling and the crowd is loud. 317 00:13:34,164 --> 00:13:39,098 And everything you do is, you know, 318 00:13:39,098 --> 00:13:40,098 honored. 319 00:13:40,098 --> 00:13:41,098 Right. 320 00:13:41,098 --> 00:13:42,531 You know, when you go on the road, 321 00:13:42,531 --> 00:13:44,098 it's a totally different story. 322 00:13:44,098 --> 00:13:45,898 But it's nice to go on the road and, 323 00:13:45,898 --> 00:13:50,564 you know, make the crowd be quiet. 324 00:13:50,564 --> 00:13:54,064 So you know, it's a little bit of both. 325 00:13:54,064 --> 00:13:55,064 Exactly. 326 00:13:55,064 --> 00:13:57,731 I think, you know, certain players play better when the 327 00:13:57,731 --> 00:14:01,631 crowd roars every time they do something well. 328 00:14:01,631 --> 00:14:03,231 Bad call, everybody boos. 329 00:14:03,231 --> 00:14:04,864 You know, good call, everybody cheers. 330 00:14:04,864 --> 00:14:06,798 Somebody get in the third fire, everybody cheers. 331 00:14:06,798 --> 00:14:10,264 But the reality is you got to still go out there and play and 332 00:14:10,264 --> 00:14:12,431 earn those wins at home or on the road. 333 00:14:12,431 --> 00:14:14,298 And the good teams do that. 334 00:14:14,298 --> 00:14:16,998 And that's why, you know, looking at our team and this 335 00:14:16,998 --> 00:14:20,331 year, we won 24 games on the road. 336 00:14:20,331 --> 00:14:22,531 And we won 32 games at home. 337 00:14:22,531 --> 00:14:23,731 We earn those wins. 338 00:14:23,731 --> 00:14:26,631 And when we lost, we earned those losses whether we play 339 00:14:26,631 --> 00:14:29,331 well or didn't come out ready or whatever may be the case, 340 00:14:29,331 --> 00:14:31,164 we earn those losses and we earn those wins. 341 00:14:31,164 --> 00:14:32,898 And when you get to the play-offs, 342 00:14:32,898 --> 00:14:33,898 it's the same thing. 343 00:14:33,898 --> 00:14:36,964 Let me take a step back from the match-up and talk about you 344 00:14:36,964 --> 00:14:37,964 personally. 345 00:14:37,964 --> 00:14:40,531 You've been in this community a long time and you've done an 346 00:14:40,531 --> 00:14:42,231 awful lot for the community. 347 00:14:42,231 --> 00:14:44,831 Lionel Hollins charities is very important to you. 348 00:14:44,831 --> 00:14:47,464 Can you talk a little bit about that? 349 00:14:47,464 --> 00:14:50,798 Well, it's just something that being here from the beginning, 350 00:14:50,798 --> 00:14:52,198 wanting to get involved with the community. 351 00:14:52,198 --> 00:14:54,131 I didn't know the community very well. 352 00:14:54,131 --> 00:14:55,131 They didn't know me. 353 00:14:55,131 --> 00:14:58,698 I was just an assistant coach and I started a bowling event. 354 00:14:58,698 --> 00:15:03,798 And it has taken off and it's spawned other events. 355 00:15:03,798 --> 00:15:05,731 My role models dinner. 356 00:15:05,731 --> 00:15:11,531 We also have a big gala the night before the bowling event. 357 00:15:11,531 --> 00:15:16,398 I started giving away bikes at Christmas time for, 358 00:15:16,398 --> 00:15:18,231 you know, under served kids. 359 00:15:18,231 --> 00:15:22,364 And we're just trying to grow, partner with.. 360 00:15:22,364 --> 00:15:24,164 FedEx, I mean Saint Jude's.. 361 00:15:24,164 --> 00:15:25,398 Saint Jude. 362 00:15:25,398 --> 00:15:27,498 I have to get that right. 363 00:15:27,498 --> 00:15:28,498 Yes, exactly. 364 00:15:28,498 --> 00:15:31,164 And you know, when I was out of basketball, 365 00:15:31,164 --> 00:15:33,031 I did some stuff for Saint Jude. 366 00:15:33,031 --> 00:15:35,731 And now that I'm the head coach, you know, 367 00:15:35,731 --> 00:15:39,164 I try to do as much as I can whenever I can for them and help 368 00:15:39,164 --> 00:15:40,264 raise money. 369 00:15:40,264 --> 00:15:43,831 They're important in our community and also nationally 370 00:15:43,831 --> 00:15:47,731 and internationally in helping the fight against cancer and 371 00:15:47,731 --> 00:15:48,998 especially childhood cancer. 372 00:15:48,998 --> 00:15:54,898 But so, its just trying to do what you feel is right. 373 00:15:54,898 --> 00:15:58,264 And it doesn't have to be, you know, 374 00:15:58,264 --> 00:16:00,098 have 5000 people attend. 375 00:16:00,098 --> 00:16:02,231 It's just going in the community and doing something. 376 00:16:02,231 --> 00:16:05,598 And I tell people all the time, you can give back without any 377 00:16:05,598 --> 00:16:06,598 money. 378 00:16:06,598 --> 00:16:08,031 It's time and passion. 379 00:16:08,031 --> 00:16:13,164 You can see older people needing somebody to mow their lawn. 380 00:16:13,164 --> 00:16:14,164 Go mow their lawn. 381 00:16:14,164 --> 00:16:15,631 You can see older people that can't get to the store. 382 00:16:15,631 --> 00:16:16,698 You can go shopping for them. 383 00:16:16,698 --> 00:16:18,398 You can help somebody cross the street. 384 00:16:18,398 --> 00:16:20,698 I mean, there's all kinds of ways of giving back. 385 00:16:20,698 --> 00:16:23,931 You can organize cleaning vacant lots that's full of glass and 386 00:16:23,931 --> 00:16:25,031 trash. 387 00:16:25,031 --> 00:16:27,864 You know, all types of things that you can do and it's 388 00:16:27,864 --> 00:16:31,964 important that we help our community stay strong by giving 389 00:16:31,964 --> 00:16:33,431 back. 390 00:16:33,431 --> 00:16:37,431 I know, um, that you could coach anywhere in the league. 391 00:16:37,431 --> 00:16:38,831 You have proven it. 392 00:16:38,831 --> 00:16:41,064 It's not even a question anymore. 393 00:16:41,064 --> 00:16:43,164 How much do you want to be back here next season? 394 00:16:43,164 --> 00:16:46,431 Well, I just told somebody last night, 395 00:16:46,431 --> 00:16:49,231 "You know, when you lay a foundation and you take it from 396 00:16:49,231 --> 00:16:51,698 the beginning stages and you build it up, 397 00:16:51,698 --> 00:16:53,698 you want to see it to the fruition." 398 00:16:53,698 --> 00:16:56,431 The fruition is winning a championship. 399 00:16:56,431 --> 00:16:57,531 Can we do it this year? 400 00:16:57,531 --> 00:16:58,531 I don't know. 401 00:16:58,531 --> 00:16:59,898 But we're shooting for it. 402 00:16:59,898 --> 00:17:02,631 And will we be back there next year? 403 00:17:02,631 --> 00:17:03,631 Possibly. 404 00:17:03,631 --> 00:17:07,331 And why would I want to leave and go and start on the bottom 405 00:17:07,331 --> 00:17:09,064 because that's usually what happens. 406 00:17:09,064 --> 00:17:12,031 And start over again when I don't have to. 407 00:17:12,031 --> 00:17:14,698 I mean, if it came to that, it came to that. 408 00:17:14,698 --> 00:17:16,164 But that's not my goal. 409 00:17:16,164 --> 00:17:17,164 That's not my intent. 410 00:17:17,164 --> 00:17:21,564 My intent and thought process is being here in Memphis and with 411 00:17:21,564 --> 00:17:24,998 the group that we have and building on what we started and 412 00:17:24,998 --> 00:17:27,731 ultimately, you know, dancing on Beale Street. 413 00:17:27,731 --> 00:17:28,731 Absolutely. 414 00:17:28,731 --> 00:17:30,364 Alright, Lionel, we're going to end the interview with 'Five for 415 00:17:30,364 --> 00:17:31,364 the Road'. 416 00:17:31,364 --> 00:17:32,464 Quick questions, quick answers. 417 00:17:32,464 --> 00:17:34,064 First thing that comes to mind. 418 00:17:34,064 --> 00:17:35,564 Your favorite, and you can't say the Grizzlies. 419 00:17:35,564 --> 00:17:37,798 Your favorite professional franchise, 420 00:17:37,798 --> 00:17:39,131 any sport. 421 00:17:39,131 --> 00:17:40,931 New England Patriots. 422 00:17:40,931 --> 00:17:41,931 Wow, okay! 423 00:17:41,931 --> 00:17:43,631 Thought you'd go basketball somewhere, 424 00:17:43,631 --> 00:17:45,131 maybe Portland. 425 00:17:45,131 --> 00:17:47,531 Maybe Philadelphia where I remember you playing. 426 00:17:47,531 --> 00:17:52,498 How about your favorite professional athlete? 427 00:17:52,498 --> 00:17:53,498 Bill Russel. 428 00:17:53,498 --> 00:17:57,931 Bill Russel who dissed me for an autograph in 1969 but I won't 429 00:17:57,931 --> 00:17:59,331 hold that against him. 430 00:17:59,331 --> 00:18:04,198 Well, I have his autograph on a pair of sneakers that he wore. 431 00:18:04,198 --> 00:18:05,198 Gosh! 432 00:18:05,198 --> 00:18:06,764 Favorite music, musician, genre of music? 433 00:18:06,764 --> 00:18:07,864 I like jazz. 434 00:18:07,864 --> 00:18:09,864 I like rhythm and blues. 435 00:18:09,864 --> 00:18:11,531 Do I have a favorite musician? 436 00:18:11,531 --> 00:18:12,798 I mean, I like a lot of people. 437 00:18:12,798 --> 00:18:16,898 But I'll say, you know, Earth Wind and Fire off the top of my 438 00:18:16,898 --> 00:18:17,898 head. 439 00:18:17,898 --> 00:18:18,898 Very good! 440 00:18:18,898 --> 00:18:20,431 I like all types of artists. 441 00:18:20,431 --> 00:18:21,798 Favorite movie of all time? 442 00:18:21,798 --> 00:18:23,398 Hmm, there's been a ton of them. 443 00:18:23,398 --> 00:18:24,398 I just saw, um.. 444 00:18:24,398 --> 00:18:29,131 Gosh, what was the movie that I just saw? 445 00:18:29,131 --> 00:18:31,931 Have you seen 42? 446 00:18:31,931 --> 00:18:33,031 I saw Argo. 447 00:18:33,031 --> 00:18:35,931 Oh, Django! 448 00:18:35,931 --> 00:18:37,531 Oh, I haven't seen that yet. 449 00:18:37,531 --> 00:18:39,864 The most favorite movie for me is always the next one but I had 450 00:18:39,864 --> 00:18:43,964 to go back to Breakfast at Tiffany's and those types of 451 00:18:43,964 --> 00:18:44,964 movies. 452 00:18:44,964 --> 00:18:46,631 I love old movies, black and white that are turning in to 453 00:18:46,631 --> 00:18:47,631 color. 454 00:18:47,631 --> 00:18:48,631 But you got to see 42 though. 455 00:18:48,631 --> 00:18:51,064 It is fantastic story of Jackie Robinson, 456 00:18:51,064 --> 00:18:52,064 of course. 457 00:18:52,064 --> 00:18:53,664 And your favorite TV show of all time? 458 00:18:53,664 --> 00:18:56,664 I don't really watch TV and even when I was younger, 459 00:18:56,664 --> 00:19:00,931 I had to go back maybe shows like Leave it to Beaver and.. 460 00:19:00,931 --> 00:19:02,698 You're old school! 461 00:19:02,698 --> 00:19:05,798 I mean, you know, I don't watch much TV. 462 00:19:05,798 --> 00:19:09,664 I hate getting in to TV and you can't watch it because we play 463 00:19:09,664 --> 00:19:11,364 different nights of the week so.. 464 00:19:11,364 --> 00:19:13,631 TiVo! 465 00:19:13,631 --> 00:19:15,431 I don't do that too often either. 466 00:19:15,431 --> 00:19:16,631 Hey Lionel, thank you so much. 467 00:19:16,631 --> 00:19:17,631 Really appreciate it. 468 00:19:17,631 --> 00:19:19,198 Good to see you. 469 00:19:19,198 --> 00:19:19,231 Alright. 470 00:19:19,231 --> 00:19:45,298 ♪♪♪ 471 00:19:45,298 --> 00:19:47,431 The Memphis Tigers baseball team is getting ready for the stretch 472 00:19:47,431 --> 00:19:48,631 run of the season. 473 00:19:48,631 --> 00:19:51,098 They have put together a very impressive year to date but 474 00:19:51,098 --> 00:19:53,364 their fate will be determined over the course of the next 475 00:19:53,364 --> 00:19:54,364 month. 476 00:19:54,364 --> 00:19:56,764 Last year the Tigers made an impressive run in the Conference 477 00:19:56,764 --> 00:20:00,231 tournament, falling in the championship game to UAB. 478 00:20:00,231 --> 00:20:02,464 This time around they're hopeful they can take it one step 479 00:20:02,464 --> 00:20:05,631 further, and if not, still have won enough games to receive an 480 00:20:05,631 --> 00:20:08,431 at large bid into the NCAA tournament. 481 00:20:08,431 --> 00:20:10,798 The key to the Tiger's success thus far has been the 482 00:20:10,798 --> 00:20:13,131 consistency of their starting pitching. 483 00:20:13,131 --> 00:20:16,331 St. Benedict product Sam Moll is the Tiger's number one hurler, 484 00:20:16,331 --> 00:20:19,698 and not surprisingly, is pitching to rave reviews. 485 00:20:19,698 --> 00:20:22,798 But it's fellow area pitching product Eric Schoenrock who has 486 00:20:22,798 --> 00:20:24,864 been the team's most pleasant surprise. 487 00:20:24,864 --> 00:20:27,131 The former Collierville High School pitcher was a middle 488 00:20:27,131 --> 00:20:30,198 reliever last season and has dealt with some back issues, 489 00:20:30,198 --> 00:20:32,631 but Schoenrock, who just so happens to be the head coach's 490 00:20:32,631 --> 00:20:36,698 son, is 100 percent healthy and has put together a sensational 491 00:20:36,698 --> 00:20:37,698 season. 492 00:20:37,698 --> 00:20:41,831 He's five and three with an era of 2.87 and has given up only 48 493 00:20:41,831 --> 00:20:45,631 hits and 22 earned runs in 69 innings pitched. 494 00:20:45,631 --> 00:20:48,431 Schoenrock will be a key for the tigers the rest of the way. 495 00:20:48,431 --> 00:20:52,798 And I recently had a chance to chat with the sophomore lefty. 496 00:20:52,798 --> 00:20:54,831 Eric, the obvious question, what's it like playing for your 497 00:20:54,831 --> 00:20:55,831 dad? 498 00:20:55,831 --> 00:20:56,831 It's awesome. 499 00:20:56,831 --> 00:20:59,464 I mean, coming in to college, I didn't really know what to 500 00:20:59,464 --> 00:21:00,531 expect. 501 00:21:00,531 --> 00:21:01,531 Just being around him everyday. 502 00:21:01,531 --> 00:21:02,631 but it's been awesome so far. 503 00:21:02,631 --> 00:21:06,631 And he treats me like everybody else so it's been awesome. 504 00:21:06,631 --> 00:21:09,664 You have had an outstanding season to date. 505 00:21:09,664 --> 00:21:12,431 Last year, you had, you we're coming off of a back injury. 506 00:21:12,431 --> 00:21:14,031 So you didn't pitch as much. 507 00:21:14,031 --> 00:21:15,631 But then you went to the Cape Cod league. 508 00:21:15,631 --> 00:21:16,631 Right. 509 00:21:16,631 --> 00:21:19,731 And that was very influential in getting you ready for this 510 00:21:19,731 --> 00:21:20,731 season. 511 00:21:20,731 --> 00:21:23,164 Talk about what that meant to you pitching up at Cape Cod. 512 00:21:23,164 --> 00:21:25,731 I didn't pitch as much as I wanted to. 513 00:21:25,731 --> 00:21:27,464 Last year, obviously the back injury. 514 00:21:27,464 --> 00:21:30,831 So going up to the Cape, I was around great players every day. 515 00:21:30,831 --> 00:21:33,998 And I just want to work hard so I get ready to, 516 00:21:33,998 --> 00:21:36,598 you know, help our team this year which I did this past 517 00:21:36,598 --> 00:21:37,598 summer. 518 00:21:37,598 --> 00:21:40,031 But just being around those great guys every day this summer 519 00:21:40,031 --> 00:21:42,464 and seeing what they do to get themselves ready to pitch 520 00:21:42,464 --> 00:21:43,764 everyday, it was good. 521 00:21:43,764 --> 00:21:44,964 What are your strengths? 522 00:21:44,964 --> 00:21:47,831 Um, I say this year it's been a big strike thrower. 523 00:21:47,831 --> 00:21:49,864 I can get a strike-out when I need it. 524 00:21:49,864 --> 00:21:52,864 But just pitching deep in games and saving our bull pen so far. 525 00:21:52,864 --> 00:21:55,964 Three complete games which is kind of rare for Memphis Tigers 526 00:21:55,964 --> 00:21:56,964 baseball. 527 00:21:56,964 --> 00:21:58,564 We see a lot of times going in to the pen but you've been able 528 00:21:58,564 --> 00:21:59,731 to go the distance three times. 529 00:21:59,731 --> 00:22:02,464 Right, um, I think what's really helped that is I've devloped a 530 00:22:02,464 --> 00:22:03,464 change up. 531 00:22:03,464 --> 00:22:04,931 And it's helped me, you know, get more ground balls and keep 532 00:22:04,931 --> 00:22:05,931 my pitch count down. 533 00:22:05,931 --> 00:22:08,898 It allowed me to pitch deeper in games. 534 00:22:08,898 --> 00:22:11,531 But just overall, just throwing strikes and just hitters 535 00:22:11,531 --> 00:22:12,531 basically. 536 00:22:12,531 --> 00:22:15,731 This is one of the better staffs we have seen in a long time here 537 00:22:15,731 --> 00:22:16,831 in Memphis. 538 00:22:16,831 --> 00:22:20,064 Talk about this starting staff for oyu guys and kind of leaning 539 00:22:20,064 --> 00:22:22,364 on also the number one guy in the rotation, 540 00:22:22,364 --> 00:22:23,364 Sam Moll. 541 00:22:23,364 --> 00:22:24,831 Right, Sam Moll, I watch him pitch every Friday. 542 00:22:24,831 --> 00:22:27,631 I keep a chart so I kind of get an advantage to see how he 543 00:22:27,631 --> 00:22:28,898 attacks the hitters on Friday. 544 00:22:28,898 --> 00:22:30,764 And I can kind of do the same thing on Saturday. 545 00:22:30,764 --> 00:22:34,498 And I know Sunday we're going to get a good start on Alex Gunn. 546 00:22:34,498 --> 00:22:36,031 And then our starter Micheal Wills. 547 00:22:36,031 --> 00:22:37,298 He's beat Ole Miss twice. 548 00:22:37,298 --> 00:22:38,298 And I don't know. 549 00:22:38,298 --> 00:22:41,364 If it gets to our bull pen, I'm pretty confident with him, 550 00:22:41,364 --> 00:22:42,364 too. 551 00:22:42,364 --> 00:22:43,364 We've got a really deep staff. 552 00:22:43,364 --> 00:22:44,664 So it's been good so far. 553 00:22:44,664 --> 00:22:46,431 You've played your prep ball at Collierville. 554 00:22:46,431 --> 00:22:48,964 Did you have Hopkins, Hoppy the former Memphis Tigers head 555 00:22:48,964 --> 00:22:49,964 coach. 556 00:22:49,964 --> 00:22:50,964 What was that like? 557 00:22:50,964 --> 00:22:53,298 And I know, again, you had a back issue as a junior. 558 00:22:53,298 --> 00:22:56,598 So you came back strong from that in your senior year to get 559 00:22:56,598 --> 00:22:57,598 ready for colllege. 560 00:22:57,598 --> 00:23:00,398 Yeah, Coach Hop helped me a lot develop over my four years 561 00:23:00,398 --> 00:23:01,398 there. 562 00:23:01,398 --> 00:23:02,698 I missed my junior year like you said. 563 00:23:02,698 --> 00:23:04,931 But you know, I just worked real hard and tried to come back for 564 00:23:04,931 --> 00:23:07,098 a strong senior year and had a pretty good year. 565 00:23:07,098 --> 00:23:08,098 So it was good. 566 00:23:08,098 --> 00:23:09,831 Do you think the back issues are behind you? 567 00:23:09,831 --> 00:23:10,831 Right, I think they are. 568 00:23:10,831 --> 00:23:13,931 In the past, I've just kind of hoped they woldn't come back. 569 00:23:13,931 --> 00:23:16,098 But now I do, you know, physical therapy every two or three days 570 00:23:16,098 --> 00:23:18,898 just to make sure my back stays strong and ready to go. 571 00:23:18,898 --> 00:23:20,731 As you're making your college decision, 572 00:23:20,731 --> 00:23:21,931 obviosuly here's Memphis. 573 00:23:21,931 --> 00:23:25,764 And here's your dad as the coach but there were other 574 00:23:25,764 --> 00:23:26,764 opportunities. 575 00:23:26,764 --> 00:23:27,764 Did you discuss with him? 576 00:23:27,764 --> 00:23:28,764 How did it go? 577 00:23:28,764 --> 00:23:32,364 He's obviously recruiting you as a coach but you're looking at 578 00:23:32,364 --> 00:23:35,264 Middle Tennessee and Vanderbilt and other opportunities. 579 00:23:35,264 --> 00:23:36,598 Talk about that whole procedure. 580 00:23:36,598 --> 00:23:39,264 Right, he kind of left it all up to the assistant coaches. 581 00:23:39,264 --> 00:23:42,864 He took his hand out of it and told me the only rule he had for 582 00:23:42,864 --> 00:23:46,064 me was I couldn't go anywhere else in Conference USA. 583 00:23:46,064 --> 00:23:48,098 But I'm glad I made the decision to come here because once I took 584 00:23:48,098 --> 00:23:50,731 a visit here, I loved it and loved all the people. 585 00:23:50,731 --> 00:23:52,331 So I'm happy with my decision. 586 00:23:52,331 --> 00:23:53,664 What about this beautiful field you play on? 587 00:23:53,664 --> 00:23:54,664 It's unbelievable. 588 00:23:54,664 --> 00:23:55,831 I mean, I've seen over.. 589 00:23:55,831 --> 00:23:56,831 what? 590 00:23:56,831 --> 00:23:59,564 Nine years now since my families been here the change this place 591 00:23:59,564 --> 00:24:00,631 has been through. 592 00:24:00,631 --> 00:24:01,964 And I mean, it's awesome to see where it is now. 593 00:24:01,964 --> 00:24:03,198 Alright, you're a left hander. 594 00:24:03,198 --> 00:24:04,198 So are you quirky? 595 00:24:04,198 --> 00:24:05,198 Are you weird? 596 00:24:05,198 --> 00:24:06,198 I'm a little different. 597 00:24:06,198 --> 00:24:08,631 Not too weird like some of the other lefties out there. 598 00:24:08,631 --> 00:24:10,331 But I guess I'm a little different. 599 00:24:10,331 --> 00:24:11,331 Do you have superstitions? 600 00:24:11,331 --> 00:24:12,331 Uh, not really. 601 00:24:12,331 --> 00:24:14,031 I like to chew gum when I pitch. 602 00:24:14,031 --> 00:24:15,264 I guess that's something superstituous. 603 00:24:15,264 --> 00:24:16,764 But I don't have too many. 604 00:24:16,764 --> 00:24:20,198 Just try to stick to a routine and that's kind of what I base 605 00:24:20,198 --> 00:24:21,198 myself off of. 606 00:24:21,198 --> 00:24:22,664 So nothing about jumping over the chalk? 607 00:24:22,664 --> 00:24:24,398 It's alright to step on the line. 608 00:24:24,398 --> 00:24:26,131 Nah, I try not to do that. 609 00:24:26,131 --> 00:24:27,864 But I'm not real superstituous about it. 610 00:24:27,864 --> 00:24:29,598 I think chewing gums probably the thing. 611 00:24:29,598 --> 00:24:31,564 I have to chew gum when I pitch. 612 00:24:31,564 --> 00:24:34,764 If you continue to pitch the way you are and hopefully you will, 613 00:24:34,764 --> 00:24:37,731 after this season there may be a decsion to be made because more 614 00:24:37,731 --> 00:24:40,864 than likely, you're going to be a pretty decently high drafted 615 00:24:40,864 --> 00:24:41,864 player. 616 00:24:41,864 --> 00:24:46,664 What will that be like talking with your pop about possibly 617 00:24:46,664 --> 00:24:49,431 going pro or staying for a senior season? 618 00:24:49,431 --> 00:24:52,098 Right, he supports my decision 100 percent. 619 00:24:52,098 --> 00:24:54,531 He knows that my whole life I've wanted to play major league 620 00:24:54,531 --> 00:24:57,798 baseball But if that opportunity was to come around, 621 00:24:57,798 --> 00:24:59,364 he'd be behind me 100 percent. 622 00:24:59,364 --> 00:25:01,498 How far do you think this team can go this year? 623 00:25:01,498 --> 00:25:03,764 With our pitching and defense, and I mean, 624 00:25:03,764 --> 00:25:04,798 the way we're playing offense this year, 625 00:25:04,798 --> 00:25:05,798 we can go a long way. 626 00:25:05,798 --> 00:25:07,398 We just got to, you know, take it one game at a time like we 627 00:25:07,398 --> 00:25:10,398 have been and you know, keep doing things we've been doing. 628 00:25:10,398 --> 00:25:13,798 You've had great competition in Conference USA and it continues 629 00:25:13,798 --> 00:25:14,798 this year. 630 00:25:14,798 --> 00:25:16,731 Next year though, it's a move to the American Athletic 631 00:25:16,731 --> 00:25:17,731 Conference. 632 00:25:17,731 --> 00:25:19,531 Some of the teams will be the same but there will be some new 633 00:25:19,531 --> 00:25:21,998 teams as well. 634 00:25:21,998 --> 00:25:23,531 So new challenges. 635 00:25:23,531 --> 00:25:25,398 Right, it will be interesting. 636 00:25:25,398 --> 00:25:26,531 A lot more travel. 637 00:25:26,531 --> 00:25:29,731 That might be a little tougher on us but looking forward for if 638 00:25:29,731 --> 00:25:32,531 I'm back next year to, you know, see the different cities we're 639 00:25:32,531 --> 00:25:35,098 going to be going to and the different teams we'll be 640 00:25:35,098 --> 00:25:36,098 playing. 641 00:25:36,098 --> 00:25:37,098 Eric, thank you so much. 642 00:25:37,098 --> 00:25:38,831 Continue success and we look forward to watching you pitch. 643 00:25:38,831 --> 00:25:39,831 Thank you very much. 644 00:25:39,831 --> 00:25:42,131 One last thing, congrats to Grizzlies center Marc Gasol who 645 00:25:42,131 --> 00:25:44,464 just yesterday was named the NBA's Defensive player of the 646 00:25:44,464 --> 00:25:45,464 year. 647 00:25:45,464 --> 00:25:46,798 And that will do it for this week's program. 648 00:25:46,798 --> 00:25:49,831 Remember you can see any of our previous shows by heading to our 649 00:25:49,831 --> 00:25:52,264 website, WKNO-dot-org and clicking on KNO Tonite. 650 00:25:52,264 --> 00:25:54,264 Have a great week, and we'll see you next time. 651 00:25:55,064 --> 00:25:59,064 ♪♪♪