University of San Francisco Athletics

With the start of official workouts nearly two months away, USF head coach Rex Walters shares his thoughts on a wide variety of subjects relating to the makeup of this year's team, changes within his coaching staff, significant rule changes for the upcoming season and the general state of college basketball.
 
With only five returning players and seven newcomers on next year's roster, is it safe to say this will be one of the most inexperienced teams you have ever coached?
I think the most inexperienced team I ever had was my first one here at USF simply because I had never coached any of the players before. Saying that, this year's group is a good one but we have a lot to learn. We may not have a lot of height but we are long and athletic. But as far as on-court, Division I experience, yes, we are very young.
 
Are you invigorated about that challenge?
Absolutely. It's invigorating in a lot of ways. It doesn't end with coaching the players but we also have two new members on our coaching staff in Frank Allocco and Sundance Wicks. We're learning new things together every day. We don't get enough time with the guys this time of year but what I've seen so far is they have all been very open, positive and are going about their business with a lot of high energy. They have shown glimpses of what they can eventually be collectively.
 
For the most part, the team remains a bit of a mystery with only two players returning who saw significant court time last season. Do you have a pulse on the team as of yet?
Well, everything starts with our two veterans – Tim Derksen and Devin Watson. Tim's willingness to work and his unselfishness rubs off on everyone. He is really looking forward to this season. Devin has really matured from last year. We saw him take on a large role midway through last year but he's taken his game to a whole different level. Last year, he was a guy who could bring the ball up the court and score a little bit. Now he knows what it takes to be a complete point guard on the Division I level.
 
I've seen improvement from Uche (Ofoegbu) and Chase (Foster) has an incredible feel for the game. Chase was on the brink of being a rotation guy for us last year until he got banged up a bit and had to miss two weeks. Tray (Montray Clemons) has also been a pleasant surprise for us. Physically and mentally, he was not ready to play last season but he is ready to go. I've seen glimpses of the freshmen, such as Nate (Renfro) getting a tip dunk, Cedric (Wright) fighting off two guys for a rebound, Marquill (Smith) coming off a ball screen for a nice jump shot or Ronnie (Boyce III) attacking a close out. Matthew (McCarthy) can post up and can stretch the floor with his shooting ability.
 
Tim Derksen has carved out a nice niche for himself over the last three seasons with his hard-nosed style of play and his role in the offense. With such an inexperienced team, do you see Tim's role changing?
Yes and no. Obviously, Tim is going to be a focal point. What he is doing now is making everyone better. He's almost too unselfish. He's been passing up open shots because he wants our guys understand the continuity of the offense. He will be a guy that we will run a lot of things through and take advantage of his many ways to score the ball. He will have a larger role beyond scoring.
 
The point guard position is integral to any team's success for a wide variety of reasons. Devin Watson opened a lot of eyes in the second half of last season. What are your thoughts on Devin and the next steps in his development?
We always knew from a talent standpoint Devin was a no-brainer. One of the most encouraging things I've seen from him this summer is he is growing into his role as a team leader. He is much more vocal on the court and that comes with confidence. He understands the expectations both offensively and defensively. Last year, he was trying to figure it out. This year, he knows it and is becoming a teacher. We know how quick he is and that he can score, shoot it and finish at the rim. He's putting it all together now and it's fun to watch.
 
Personnel over last two years has allowed you to play an inside-out-game. Can you anticipate the playing style of this year's team?
It will be different because we just don't have the size. There's no Cole Dickerson, Kruize Pinkins, Mark Tollefsen or Angelo Caloiaro to be found. We've also had some great shooters in recent years that could really stretch the floor. We are going to post up different guys to take advantage of what our guards can do both inside and outside. We are still figuring out our team but we'll probably have a different look offensively and defensively.
 
Taking a look at the roster, math alone dictates a handful of the newcomers are going to have to step up immediately and play significant minutes. Do you have an idea of who those players will be or is it something that will be sorted out once practice starts?
It's too hard to predict right now. We're just getting a glimpse of what they can do and have been introducing them to USF Basketball and our style of play. Some guys get it sooner than others but they all end up getting it. There's a lot of work in front of us. Guys that understand want we do usually end up playing more early on.
 
List of newcomers extends to the coaching staff, as well, with the addition of Frank Allocco and Sundance Wicks. Can you tell us what attracted you to both of them at this time?
First of all I had a good staff last year. We lost Brent Crews (Thomas University) and Dave Rebibo (Harvard-Westlake HS) to head coaching jobs. I was very happy for both of them but a bit concerned because when there is a change in the coaching staff all of the dynamics change, as well. Both Frank and Sundance are great teachers of the game and have a tremendous amount of experience. Our energy before, during and after practice has been phenomenal and that's a credit to both of them and Luke (Associate Head Coach Wicks). Sundance has coached in a high-major conference and has a lot of AAU experience while Frank has won more games than I've coached. They both bring so much knowledge to the equation. Some programs call themselves a family but we are maybe the only Division I program that has a true family dynamic among our coaching staff with Sundance and Luke. They are both high energy, positive and intense guys. It's a fun dynamic.
 
As a basketball fan, did you get caught up in the Warriors' championship run?
For sure. It was great for Oakland, San Francisco and the entire Bay Area. They beat the best player in the world but the best players don't always win – the best teams do. Ron Adams (Warriors assistant coach) coached me in Philadelphia and I know some of the other guys on their staff. The Giants are champions, the Warriors are champions. Now we have to figure out how to make the USF Dons champions.
 
What impressed you the most about the Warriors' style of play?
They are much more of an outside-in team than any championship team I can remember. They didn't have a real dominant post player to speak of. Their ball movement, the way they shared the basketball and how they made tough shots, especially Curry and Thompson, was beautiful to watch. And then they have role player in Andre Iguodala who was named MVP of the NBA Finals. That says a lot.
 
You mentioned Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Who are your top shooters of all-time?
I'll go with Larry Bird, Steph Curry, Michael Jordan and Chris Mullin. Steph's dad, Dell, could really fill it up, too. Dale Ellis and Mark Price would be in the conversation, too.
 
Two significant rule changes that will be implemented next year are reducing the shot clock to 30 seconds and expanding the restricted area from 3 to 4 feet? What are your thoughts about these changes?
We are changing our defense anyway and what we've always talked about is what we have to do to put our players in the best position to be successful. We haven't had a legitimate downward shot blocker since I've been here so what we concentrate on is eliminating layups, post ups and open jump shots. We are playing a style that is more conducive to the new shot clock. It won't be as fast as it's been in years past but our goal is to get the field goal percentage defense down and improve our rebounding. We're also about paint protection and eliminating all layups. If we are playing against athletic teams that don't shoot as well, it (shortened shot clock) will help us.
 
Does a shortened shot clock help teams more offensively or defensively?
I think it helps teams with athleticism, to be honest. We are going to try to flip it and make teams beat us from the perimeter on contested jump shots. High major programs want more possessions. That's why North Carolina and some other programs play the fast style they do. Conversely, we are going to try to eliminate the paint and neutralize the other team's athleticism. You are what you emphasize. Teams that emphasize quick shots will benefit from a shorted shot clock. I think scoring can go down even more because other teams won't have the time to take quality shots. Teams might shoot more rushed shots. It can go either way. The good teams will adjust.
 
Scoring is way down in college basketball to the point a recent Sports Illustrated article called the current state of the college game a "crisis" and Jay Bilas described the game as "organized wrestling." What do you attribute the lack of scoring to and are you concerned about the state of the college game from a fan perspective?
How were the ratings for the Final Four and the national championship game? I was in Indianapolis and the place was a madhouse. Scoring maybe down because players aren't as experienced as they once were. There are a lot of one-and-dones and not too may fifth-year seniors. That said, I think the state of the college game is great. I was in Las Vegas and watched three high-level tournaments with big time athletes who are highly-skilled. The passion for the college game and basketball in general is better than ever, in my opinion. Teams that once sold for millions are now being sold for billions and TV deals are higher than ever. The game is better than ever.