LutherRackleyRulez
09-22-2008, 07:12 AM
Per collegechalktalk.com....
Five Questions - University of Massachusetts, Assistant Coach Vance Walberg
In this second to last edition of ‘Five Questions’, Minutemen Assistant Coach Vance Walberg joins College Chalktalk to discuss topics ranging from the new staff transition to Anthony Gurley’s expected role, as practice is scheduled to begin inside of one month.
College Chalktalk: Can you briefly describe the newcomers entering the program?
Vance Walberg: At this point, it is difficult to comment on these guys because we have not yet had a chance to work with them. Also, I’m still a rookie on this coast. However, Coach Kellogg seems genuinely excited about the guys that will be suiting up for us. He has spoken about the athleticism of Travon Wilcher, versatility of David Gibbs and is excited about the frontcourt depth that Tyrell Lynch will bring. And, of course, Anthony Gurley is a solid addition. We’re anxious to begin working with these guys.
CCT: What is the primary focus of the new staff in assuming the reins of the program?
VW: Derek will lay out what his goals are on and off the court and, like any good staff, it will always start with the student-athlete. Derek has spent a lot of time emphasizing to all that school comes first and we should stay on track that way. Then, we’ll let them know our expectations on the court and in the weight room. It’s a process and definitely a significant change, as each coaching staff is so different from the players. Derek is doing a great job of laying down the footprints of what he is expecting.
CCT: You are well known for your innovation of, and ability to teach, the dribble-drive offense, to which Coach Kellogg was recently exposed at Memphis. Can you give fans a brief description of its fundamentals and how it should ideally flow?
VW: We basically try to make the game as simple as possible for the players by spreading the floor and opening driving gaps for the players to exploit and create scoring opportunities. This gives the players the opportunity to use their strengths and attack the opposing defense from all other spots on the floor.
CCT: What are your thoughts on the new three-point line generally, and specifically as it relates to your roster?
VW: I have no problem with the change as it will aid us in our spacing even better. I also feel we have good enough shooters on our roster that it should not have much of an effect on an individual basis either.
CCT: You briefly mentioned Anthony Gurley. Having seen him play while at Wake Forest, what do you expect he’ll to bring to this team?
VW: Anthony gives us another scorer with a strong body who can hopefully provide another dimension to our offense. He will have to be a tough defender and solid rebounder, as we will most likely play him along with Ricky and Chris, so we’ll be a bit small at that position. But, on the flip side, opposing teams will have difficulty matching up with him at that spot.
http://collegechalktalk.com/five-questions/five-questions-university-of-massachusetts-assistant-coach-vance-walberg/
Five Questions - University of Massachusetts, Assistant Coach Vance Walberg
In this second to last edition of ‘Five Questions’, Minutemen Assistant Coach Vance Walberg joins College Chalktalk to discuss topics ranging from the new staff transition to Anthony Gurley’s expected role, as practice is scheduled to begin inside of one month.
College Chalktalk: Can you briefly describe the newcomers entering the program?
Vance Walberg: At this point, it is difficult to comment on these guys because we have not yet had a chance to work with them. Also, I’m still a rookie on this coast. However, Coach Kellogg seems genuinely excited about the guys that will be suiting up for us. He has spoken about the athleticism of Travon Wilcher, versatility of David Gibbs and is excited about the frontcourt depth that Tyrell Lynch will bring. And, of course, Anthony Gurley is a solid addition. We’re anxious to begin working with these guys.
CCT: What is the primary focus of the new staff in assuming the reins of the program?
VW: Derek will lay out what his goals are on and off the court and, like any good staff, it will always start with the student-athlete. Derek has spent a lot of time emphasizing to all that school comes first and we should stay on track that way. Then, we’ll let them know our expectations on the court and in the weight room. It’s a process and definitely a significant change, as each coaching staff is so different from the players. Derek is doing a great job of laying down the footprints of what he is expecting.
CCT: You are well known for your innovation of, and ability to teach, the dribble-drive offense, to which Coach Kellogg was recently exposed at Memphis. Can you give fans a brief description of its fundamentals and how it should ideally flow?
VW: We basically try to make the game as simple as possible for the players by spreading the floor and opening driving gaps for the players to exploit and create scoring opportunities. This gives the players the opportunity to use their strengths and attack the opposing defense from all other spots on the floor.
CCT: What are your thoughts on the new three-point line generally, and specifically as it relates to your roster?
VW: I have no problem with the change as it will aid us in our spacing even better. I also feel we have good enough shooters on our roster that it should not have much of an effect on an individual basis either.
CCT: You briefly mentioned Anthony Gurley. Having seen him play while at Wake Forest, what do you expect he’ll to bring to this team?
VW: Anthony gives us another scorer with a strong body who can hopefully provide another dimension to our offense. He will have to be a tough defender and solid rebounder, as we will most likely play him along with Ricky and Chris, so we’ll be a bit small at that position. But, on the flip side, opposing teams will have difficulty matching up with him at that spot.
http://collegechalktalk.com/five-questions/five-questions-university-of-massachusetts-assistant-coach-vance-walberg/