By Jordan Sensi
Eurohopes interviews Bob McKillop of Davidson College, in Davidson (North Carolina). Enters his 26th year as head coach at Davidson, being selected the 2008 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Coach of the Year and named Southern Conference Coach of the Year eight times. Eurohopes.com spent a few minutes with Coach McKillop to hear his thoughts on recruiting international students to Davidson College.
-Recruiting internationally is a lot different than the recruiting in the US. You don’t have the opportunity to speak with the kids face to face and create a familiar environment between himself and the school. You can’t attend his games throughout the season in order to make your presence felt, like with a kid from a US high school. Of course, the culture difference also plays a role. How do you manage to bridge that gap and be successful when recruiting in Europe?
I have been going to Europe in some kind of capacity relative to basketball since 1981, long before any of these young high school aged players were even born. This experience has afforded me the luxury and opportunity to develop relationships with many coaches and basketball officials throughout all of the European continent. These relationships have been built upon trust, and in many cases, many of these relationships have evolved into long lasting friendships. Some of my greatest friends are people involved in basketball in the European community. As a result of that trust factor, I can rely extensively upon the comments and the evaluations and the recommendations from so many of my friends. Also, since I have been coaching players from European backgrounds for over 30 years, I have dozens of former players who have played for their Senior Club level teams as well as their Senior National teams. This has further developed my network of contacts and friendships. Many people who have watched our teams play characterize our style of play as European. I have long believed and been convinced that some of the greatest coaches in the game of basketball were developed in the European marketplace. My respect for both players and coaches has been long existent and deep rooted. The more I have gone to Europe and the more European players I have coached, the greater my respect has grown. After over 30 years, you can readily imagine how deep rooted this respect is.
-Speaking of culture, how can Davidson utilize those kids from different countries off the court? There are different languages, ethics, and lifestyles. Is it possible to establish a culture in order to make the kids feel comfortable?
The assimilation of a European player to Davidson College has been a very smooth process. Our school is small relative to other major universities, yet we play and compete at the highest level. Because of the size of our school, there is a tremendous sense of intimacy that exists throughout the entire Davidson College community. Players from international backgrounds as well as all students from international backgrounds are welcomed with open arms. There is a long history of international students and student-athletes finding joy, satisfaction and outstanding success here. We have been fortunate to recruit young men who are not just outstanding basketball players but also outstanding representatives of their country and their family. This has earned significant respect for them throughout the Davidson College family.
-Besides the off court issues that international players might have in the States, on court fit is of no less importance. Usually international players are more fundamentally sound compared to the American kids. How can Davidson’s style of play utilize their strengths? Can you talk about your system?
Our style of play is built upon spacing and skills and teamwork. We do an extraordinary amount of drill work to foster a sense of confidence in our skills and IQ development so that our players see the game. We constantly put them in situations where they have to read what the defense gives. It is our belief that plays are easy to stop but principles are not. So, we are constantly working to create skills utilizing principles that become instinctive rather than robotic. Historically the Davidson player is respected because of his skill level, unselfishness, ability to see the game, and competitive toughness.
-You’ve been recruiting in Europe since the early 80’s. How different is recruiting now with the internet and other advanced technological tools in place?
The internet and advanced technological tools give American coaches an opportunity to check statistics and watch video and become aware of what used to be "hidden gems". Because of the extensive scouting and internet information, it is very rare that somebody slips under the radar as a great player. American coaches are traveling far more extensively overseas to evaluate players. Academies have developed throughout the European Continent where players go specifically to prepare themselves to become great players. So the culture has changed dramatically. As the game of basketball has become a global game the impact can be witnessed all throughout the world and the way the culture has adjusted.
-Davidson joined the Atlantic 10 Conference this season. What does that mean for your program?
The Atlantic 10 Conference is one of the top conferences in the United States. Last year, six teams received NCAA bids. An incedible number. For Davidson to join the Atlantic 10 is a bold move. Our success in the Southern Conference has been extraordinary and is well documented. For us to make a jump from the 30th ranked conference to the 6th ranked conference is going to be quite a challenge. Nevertheless, the commitment from the College has been very clear. They are providing the resources necessary to meet the demands of this Conference. We are also constructing a new practice facility and athletic center which will be a tremendous asset and keep us very competitive.
Eurohopes.com thanks Coach McKillop for taking the time to answer our questions.
Twitter of the author: @Jordan_Sensi
