bearsports.wustl.edu The Washington University men’s basketball team was hard at work over winter break taking care of business, defeating teams such as MacMurray, Blackburn, University of Chicago and Wisconsin Lutheran to name a few.
The Bears are currently undefeated (12-0) on the season and rank first in Division III as they head into UAA conference play.
As the season moves into its crucial stretch and WU prepares to go on the road to battle Case Western Reserve and Emory, Student Life sat down with head coach Mark Edwards to get his thoughts on the team, the keys to victory and the remainder of the season.
SL: The team is off to a great start this year. What do you feel are the biggest reasons behind their success?
ME: The biggest reason for our success is experience. We returned everyone this year and they’ve all had a lot of success here in the past. Because of that, I think they know what it takes to win, and that they have to work hard to achieve their goals. The work that they have been doing this year is really paying off.
SL: How well is the team dealing with the pressure and expectations that come from being ranked No. 1 in the country?
ME: They don’t seem to be fazed by it at all. I certainly haven’t felt the pressure, and the players don’t really think about it once they get out there.
We’ve really learned a lot from the women’s team and the success that they have had. They’ve helped show us how to play with a bulls-eye on our back every night.We’re very proud of what the women’s team has been able to do. The two programs are very close, from the coaches on down to the players, and we have a lot of similar traditions.
We take a lot of pride in their program, and they’ve been able to accomplish more, with all those national championships.
SL: In the upcoming conference season, which UAA team will present the greatest challenge?
ME: In any conference, all the games will be challenging, but in ours, Rochester is particularly tough. They are ranked second in the country, right behind us, and they made it to the Final Four last year with an at-large bid. They are probably the most accomplished team.
However, every team in the conference is better this year. Emory is off to a great start, and we have to go there this weekend. There are really no easy games.
SL: Who is one player on the team that you feel has improved his play this year?
ME: All the players have really stepped up their maturity level, but in particular Chris Jeffries and Matt Tabash are having monster years. Chris is getting noticed the most by opposing teams, but our strength is that there is nobody you can focus on. If a team focuses on Jeffries, they are going to get burned.
SL: What are the keys to winning on the road trip this weekend?
ME: We have to make sure we maintain our defensive intensity. That was what made the difference in the Chicago game. We have to refuse to let them run, and make them earn every basket. If we play our best defense, we can really frustrate other teams.
SL: How does having so much senior leadership affect the way you coach the team?
ME: The senior leadership translates in several ways. First, they really know the system and what to expect out of me. I have to do less basic teaching; it’s like having review sessions compared to introductory lectures. They know all the situations and they don’t panic. Also, I know them well since we’ve had four years of exposure to each other.
SL: Is this the best team you have had at Washington University?
ME: The chapter is not finished yet. If you look at the four-year continuum, it’s definitely up there. Check back in March.