“We’ve responded well”

COACH’S CORNER: 5 MINUTES WITH MARK COOMES

(as published in Whoosh! magazine Jan. 22, 2007)

File photo Associate head coach Mark Coomes said the team had responded well in the days after Jimmy Collins took a leave of absence.

Note: Associate head coach Mark Coomes is filling in while head coach Jimmy Collins is on leave.

Whoosh!: With Coach C on leave, how do you think the team has responded?

Coomes: “The team has responded well. The guys are focused. They’ve been responsive to me and the coaching staff in practice. I’m pleased with the effort they’ve given. We haven’t had any bad practices.”

Whoosh!: About halfway through the season what is your take on the team so far?

Coomes: “Our schedule has been pretty difficult. We’ve had some good stretches, we’ve had some bad stretches. I think that we’re improving. It’s important for us to maintain a focus and to keep going forward, and that’s very important. I preach that all the time. We’ve positioned ourselves right now to get ready for the conference tournament.”

Whoosh!: What has disappointed you the most in the start of the season?

Coomes: “Some of the time, our chemistry. Some of the time, our shooting has failed us. We have to improve on our defense. Those are aspects that have disappointed me. I’m trying to be optimistic for the rest of the season.”

Whoosh!: Has any one player surprised you with his play this season?

Coomes: “Not really. Everybody’s played to where they’re capable of playing. We need some guys to play better. No one’s been playing better than I thought they would be.”

Whoosh!: What do you guys need to do to get on track?

Coomes: “We need to keep developing our chemistry. We need to keep our turnovers down and we need to start making some shots. We’re capable of making shots. We had a bad game against Wright State and good game against Cleveland State.”