University of Richmond Athletics
Ask Coach John Beilein
01/21/2002 | Men's Basketball
Jan. 21, 2002
You asked and Richmond head men's basketball coach John Beilein has the answers to the questions you posted on www.RichmondSpiders.com. Thanks for your continued support and keep the questions coming.
Question from Dr. Joesph Dickens, Ellicott City, Md.
What do you think about Kevin Steenberge? This young man is simply awesome. He plays for River Hill High School close to my home. Friday night he had 30 points, 25 rebounds and 8 blocked shots. He is averaging about 24 points/game, third in the Washington/Baltimore area. How do you think he will do when he joins the Spiders next year?
Beilein: "We think the world of Kevin Steenberge and his family. He comes from a family of athletes and he is certainly showing those skills this season. A freshman's adjustment to college life, and the college style of play are the biggest factors in determining playing time as a freshman. Kevin feel for the game around the basket are very impressive. He senses where the next rebound or next blocked shot will be and gets there. He is also very bright so we are hoping he will pick up our system rather quickly. We are all very anxious to coach him and look forward to seeing him play again this year."
Question from Richard Noles, Chesterfield Va.
What can we do to create a stronger atmosphere at the Robins Center to increase the homecourt advantage? Thanks and good luck for the rest of the season.
Beilein: "I am sure that creating a new and more entertaining atmosphere in the Robins center will take time...The willingness of our fans to participate even more and most importantly, the teams ability to win games are the biggest factors. I am confident that our administration is doing all it can to bring even more enthusiasm to the Robins Center. I am looking forward to hearing you and your family make a lot of noise at our games!"
Question from S. Moon, McLean, Va.
Hi Coach Beilein. I've been wanting to get into coaching basketball in a competitive level and I was wondering if you had any openings for an assistant. If not, do you have any suggestions for someone who wants to get into coaching?
Beilein: "No, we do not have any openings but it is always good to have a resume available if any opening develops. Working at camps and asking to attend college practices is the best way to learn and meet college coaches. Just like most jobs, it is many times who you know as opposed to what you know when you are first breaking in. Work hard to cultivate relationships in the college coaching profession."
Question from Kevin Rouba, Mercerville, N.J. (Richmond student)
Due to the lack of communication on the court, do you believe that there is a lack of leadership on the team? Who do you believe should step foward as a leader and when will they?
Beilein "For whatever reasons I cannot explain we have a very quiet team off the court. Great kids who at times are not willing to speak up. It is hard for us to get them to change their personalities once they get on the court.....communicating on the court is a problem that we work at everyday because it is an part of basketball that we believe we can control... We hope we will have more leaders as the year continue!... It is definitely an area that we must develop. Thanks for the question."
