Feb. 3, 2010
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Joe Fisher’s Mailbag Submit Your Question | View Archive Wondering about a player, a past game or another topic involving the Commodores? The Voice of the Commodores Joe Fisher will answer a variety of email questions from fans during the season on VUcommodores.com. |
Joe – Just wondered if after a winning game, do the other coaches say much about how improved the team is over last year, or do they compliment the team, or do you get the Lane Kiffin postgame treatment?
— Tony from Mt Juliet, Tenn.
Tony, I think for the most part, coaches in the SEC have great respect for each other so it’s rare that you hear anything other than compliments from an opposing coach. Several coaches this season have spoken pretty candidly about Vanderbilt’s balance and depth after suffering a defeat.
Hey Joe, I understand that we did not play like a Top 25 team against Western even though there were circumstances that caused this. Since that time however we have more than proved we are. I know that it is popular to say that rankings do not matter but is that really true. Does it bother the team being overlooked?
— Doredave from Nashville, Tenn.
Now that the Commodores are solidly in the Top 25 I don’t think anyone’s concerned about them being overlooked. I will say that sometimes teams can use that feeling of being overlooked as motivation. This year’s team seems to really be focused on each game, and I don’t see a lot of scoreboard watching or hear much talk about rankings. I think they feel like if they play like they are capable, that being ranked will take care of itself.
Joe, just wondering in looking at Darshawn McClellan stats last year… Why has he fallen off this year? What happened?
— Country City
Darshawn has simply become a victim of the numbers game. When the season began, the rotation of players was around 11 or so. But once SEC play got here, that rotation was going to be whittled down to eight or nine players. Remember, Andre Walker and Festus Ezeli weren’t in the mix last season, so now time at the 4 position has become limited. To Darshawn’s credit, he has handled his recent lack of playing time tremendously. He’s shown a great attitude, practices hard, and is always ready if his number is called.
What is it that you can and can’t say about potential recruits? It seems you always have to watch what you say when talking recruiting, so I was curious about the way it all works. Thanks!
— Josh
Josh, many play by play broadcasters are independent contractors for their university. I am a member of the Vanderbilt University athletics staff, and as a result I am governed by basically the same rules as the coaches are in regard to recruiting. That means it would be a violation for me to talk about potential recruits prior to their signing, just as it is for coaches. It does get to be a bit of a challenge when recruiting is a hot topic on the radio, or at a speaking engagement, but it’s a rule I have to follow.
Joe, where have all the banners gone in Memorial Gym?
— Jerry from LaVergne, Tenn.
We had a donor recently step forward and offer to provide new banners at Memorial, the new team banners that are up now, as well as new championship and tournament banners. It is my understanding that those banners have been completed and are here and will be hanging from the rafters in the near future.
