Dec. 27, 2007
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Joe Fisher, the Voice of the Commodores, responds to more of your “Ask a ‘Dore” questions submitted on VUcommodores.com earlier this month. If you missed part one, click here
You obviously are very close to the football program and Coach Johnson and his staff. Coach Johnson seems like he has really gotten the program headed in the right direction and they are competing in a very tough (if not THE toughest) conference in the SEC. Although the team fell just short of becoming bowl eligible, what do you see in the future for Vanderbilt football? “I think we can expect more steady, solid progress. It has become apparent this coaching staff has elevated the level of quality in recruiting and, I believe, will continue to do so. Depth has become much better at most positions and that is a critical element for success in the SEC. Though the team has achieved a number of quality wins on the road, it is still looking for that signature win at Vanderbilt Stadium. Once that hurdle is cleared, the opportunity for larger success increases.”
Since Coach Johnson recently withdrew his name from consideration for the head coaching job at Duke, do you think anything will be done to upgrade our football facilities. “Talks have actually been in the works for quite some time now regarding the upgrading of football facilities. A design architect was on campus this football season to evaluate existing structures and make preliminary suggestion for renovation and/or construction. Whether or not the timetable for this renovation will be moved up remains to be seen. The good news is it was on the drawing board already.”
What is better about Vanderbilt athletics right now under the current administration? “I think a key to the current success in Vanderbilt athletics has been the administration’s ability to retain the quality coaches that were already here, as well as hire a couple of outstanding additions. When you put financial or public relations issues aside, having the consistency of solid coaching staffs staying together for a number of years has been an integral part of our increasing success and our rising expectations.”
How do you think the men’s basketball team will do in the SEC this year? “From what we’ve seen already, it could be a wild year in the SEC! It appears that Vanderbilt has at least established itself as a contender in the league, but it’s so hard to predict this early. Given the nature of so many non-conference schedules, it’s very difficult to tell just what everyone’s got at this point. I think it’s fair to say that the team and staff will be disappointed if they are not in contention battling at the top of the Eastern Division by year’s end, as well as for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.”
In your years of announcing, have you seen a freshmen for the Commodores as dominant as A.J. Ogilvy? “Simply put, no, at least not in basketball. You could draw parallels to Earl Bennett in football, or a David Price in baseball. But A.J. has given Vanderbilt an immediate threat at the post, as well as showing maturity in his game beyond his years. He’s the complete package: able to drive to the basket with either hand, has touch from outside, is a good free throw shooter and plays solid defense. His next issue will be dealing with the attention he receives from the media and the scouts.”
I have enjoyed the early season sucess of the Commodore basketball team. It seems to me that the biggest improvement I can see so far is our defensive intensity (and, of course, the inside presence of A.J./Alan). Here is my question: What is our biggest weakness that you have seen so far? “My guess is that Kevin Stallings would tell you that, despite the improvement you’ve seen, consistency on defense would likely be the weakest link to this point. This team has showed flashes of brilliance with its intensity. But they’ve also had stretches where they’ve given up large numbers of points. I think offense has been solid to this point, and sometimes spectacular. Defense will be key to taking it to another level.”
Seems like the saavy college basketball critics are starting to take notice of VU, however, I find it interesting that we have barely broken the top 20. Of all the Vanderbilt teams I have watched over the past 20 years, this is the one that looks strong enough to not back down to anyone in the nation (although the 1993 team was awesome). Do you also agree that this team is better positioned to take on the “elite” of college basketball? “Yes, I do, because this team is not a “one trick pony”. It doesn’t have to rely simply on great outside shooting to win a game. It has that element, yes, but also has the ability to score inside. Add to that a very good free throw shooting team with ballhandlers able to not only break pressure, but score off of it, and you provide a serious challenge for an opponent to stop. And remember, the team has a head coach and a staff that are very good at X’s and O’s and late game situations.”
Will Coach Stallings be your sidekick on some baseball broadcasts next season? He was terrific as you always are! “Thank you. I hope Coach Stallings will be able to sit in for a broadcast now and then. He’s actually a big baseball fan and very knowledgable about the game. It’s a real pleasue to have him in the booth. I may even give him a shot at play by play sometime.”
