Dec. 12, 2000

Q: I am a student at Murray State but I am a huge fan of your team (I know that's kind of an oxymoron). My question is do you think Drew DeMond matches up well with other power forwards in the nation, like Ike Spencer at Murray?
-Jesse Thoeming, Murray, Ky.

A: We don't have anyone who matches up with Isaac Spencer. He is a great player who has great experience. Hopefully players like DeMond, Monte Gordon or Tim Scheer can keep him from having a career night while everyone else plays solid defense against the rest of the Racer team.

Q: I think that Drew DeMond is an excellent defender, he is one of those kind of players that has a nack for ball. I was just wondering if you have a scheme to get Drew DeMond more involved in the offense?
-Brandon Patterson, Oran, Mo.

A: All of the players who play the four position have a lot of offensive options, but what we really need to get out of the four position is rebounding and defense.

Q: Last year's tournament run was great because the nation got to see the Indians on T.V. What about the chances of taking the team to a tournament such as the Great Alaskan Shootout or the Maui Invitational?
-Andrew Vernon, St. Louis, Mo.

A: Television exposure certainly is important to our program. We have one ESPN game this season (Jan. 6 at Austin Peay) and one appearance on FOX Sports South. We also have four regional appearances on KFVS. We are also interested in playing in a tournament in Hawaii.

Q: There has been some criticism of the schedule this year, mainly because of the D II teams and playing Morris Brown twice. I have heard you say that you want a return home game, but how far can you take that? Are there any teams that you would sign a one or two game deal just at their place? Also, is it better to get early season wins against lesser opponents or to play bigger name schools with the possibility of getting whipped (like Austin Peay and Tennessee)?
-Ben Early, Crawfordsville, Indiana

A: Scheduling is a very important part of college basketball. We feel we need to play good basketball teams, but we only want to play teams that will return games to Cape Girardeau. I don't like the idea of just playing games for money. We want to have a chance to compete. We feel this year's schedule with the tournament in Kansas City and games with Missouri Valley powers Southern Illinois and Southwest Missouri makes for a good schedule. Also, it is important to give your team confidence early in the year.

Q: I'm currently at Fort Hays State and wanted to congratulate your team on a great season last year. As you know, Kansas plays a Division II team from Kansas every season. My question is, would you ever consider putting your old team, Fort Hays State, on your schedule on your home court?
-Joey Linn, Hays, Kan.

A: It is good to hear from you Joey. Barbara and I certainly enjoyed our years at Fort Hays State. Having been a coach at the Division II level, I feel it is important that we schedule a couple of D II teams each year. It would to great to see all my friends at a possible game with Fort Hays State, but I feel obligated to play D II schools in the state of Missouri.

Q: It is obviously your team could use a spark off the bench. Why haven't you tried to implement Damarcus Hence into the rotation?
-Rick Hastings, Parma, Mo.

A: Damarcus Hence continues to improve and as he improves I am sure he will see more game action.