Paul Hewitt call-in show recap

Caught the 2nd half of the show at lunch today - here's my version of a re-cap.

PH: C.Moore - talking about how he lays it all on the line, shows up every game. Doesn't have his whole existence wrapped up in going to the NBA or even being a top college player. He is an example of what college athletics and the attitude towards it is supposed to be. He is enjoying the experience.

Q: On Chris Bosh - if he stayed how would the team look. PH - wouldn't have been much different. Chris would have fit right in. While he is tall, he is also athletic. He stays close to the program - talks to Jarrett Jack almost every day. He was a team player and very unselfish. We would be an even better team with Bosh.

side comment:
PH: Fine line between "balanced scoring". When you are winning, balanced scoring is a great thing. If you are losing, balanced scoring means someone is not getting enough shots. I am a believer in team defense and rebounding and building offensive opportunities off those aspects. It's a very fine line.

Q: The big difference this year versus last year?
PH: We have an experience PG this year, which is the major difference. That is a big difference and he is arguably the best PG in the nation so far. He is executing the plays and running the offense. Team rebounding - Jack actually gets a lot of rebounds because others are doing their job underneath - it's too bad they don't get the credit.

PH:BJ is one of the top 2-guards in the country. I am tired of seeing pre-season magazines with 20 2-guards listed and BJ's name is not on the list. People should ask for their money back on those magazines.

PH: I do think IM is the best 6th man in the country. (Wes went through a dunk-by-dunk blow of all his rim-rattlers and the crowd responses). Hewitt just laughed.

Q: Level of interaction with former players?
PH: Try to keep them involved including Coach Cremins. First year, had Brian Oliver in to talk before NCAA tourney. Have had Salley and Price back in. Dennis Scott was in the locker last year going crazy. Mentioned Harpring, Ferrell K.Anderson and others calling in to show support this year.

Q: Are we still impacted by 8/5? Also, what about medical redshirts - Theodis playing 6 games.
PH: New rule will be voted on in April and it would be retro-active. Current rule you cannot play after the 7th game of the season. (net connection failed - missed the rest)

Q: ACC 6-2 against ranked opponents
PH: and have beat 2 #1's. How about MD - and without Gilcrest. They play hard. They will be up and down but they are young and that is what happens. Great for them after losing two games to beat #1 on national TV

Q: Theodis status
PH: Coming along well. On the court this week doing light cutting, shooting, etc. Working in water. Called PH this week with a good grade while I was on the road. He really understands the difference between this year and last year and really wants to help us.

Q: You watch a lot of bball; Anything strike you now?
PH: The game is really a mid-range game now. 6'5" - 6'7". The NBA just seems to take anyone with talent that has size. It hurts the game, but it's reality.

Q: Do teams with veteran PG's have an advantage
PH: Yes, when your PG puts other players in good spots it makes a difference, particularly with the lack of big guys. No doubt about it.

Q: Has this changed recruiting?
PH: In some ways, but you still have to recruit the best players with size. If you don't someone else will. But nobody really wants to take a chance on a PG that is only going to be there 1 year - just too much to learn.

Q: How about Luke? Numbers are getting even better
PH: He is playing better and it is showing. A good student and a great kid. I think he will have a great year for us this season.

Q: Keys to St.Louis
PH: turnovers are key - have to protect the ball. They can wear you out on screens. Communication among players is a key. They move well without the ball.

PH: Recruiting has been helped with our success. Local kids especially, with the success of BJ and Isma'il. They see that they can be on a top 10 team without going far and the education at GT speaks for itself. "We have it all right here" - he said. (I wonder if there is anyone in particular he is speaking of locally........hhhhhmmmmmm).

GT Paul Hewitt TV Show starts Saturday December 20.