Q and A with Twitter Legend Jon Rothstein
A few weeks ago the Blog sent off some quick question to CBS’ Jon Rothstein to answer. Jon turned around those questions and we’ve provided the interview here. We thank Jon for a few minutes of his time. He is truly a national treasure on Twitter, though we are still waiting for him to come up with a solid Tweet about the Bonnies and Mark Schmidt.
From the Blog…
Let’s start with the most important thing: What’s the brainstorming process for your famous Twitter lines? Is there a database? Do you elicit help from anyone else?
It’s very organic to be honest. There’s no brainstorming. I may get an idea here or there that I write down, but it’s all authentic.
What do the Bonnies/Mark Schmidt need to do to secure a “canned Tweet” like others? Can we give you suggestions?
Ha. That’s to be determined.
Ok, onto hoops…. What do other college hoops insiders say about Mark Schmidt and the Bonaventure program as whole these days?
People have a lot of respect for Mark Schmidt as a basketball coach and the job he’s done in Olean. Everyone is well aware of how difficult the job is and how competitive St. Bonaventure has been under Mark’s watch. He’s held in high regard.
Have you talked with any NBA scouts regarding Adams’ draft hopes? If so, what was the scouting report on him and where do folks expect him to go, if at all?
He’s definitely on the radar as a prospect. A lot will determine on how he performs for the rest of the season.
Where would you rank the “difficulty” of the Bonaventure coaching job when considering the entire landscape of college basketball?
Extremely high. College basketball is about players and players is directly related to recruiting. Olean is not an easy place to recruit to and Mark Schmidt has done a tremendous job both evaluating and securing commitments from guys who turned out to be very good players in the Atlantic 10. This is not an easy job.
If you were given control over college basketball by the NCAA what would be some of your first rule and policy changes? How do you feel about one-and-done and considering quarters instead of halves for games?
Eliminating waivers for transfers would be the first thing. All transfers should sit a year and I’ve been consistent in that thought process for years. It would be an awful thing for our sport if kids are eventually able to switch schools without a penalty. There’s some other things that could be tweaked here or there, but that’s definitely the biggest thing.
How do you feel about the NCAA selection committee’s make-up? Would you like to see some more analytical and national college hoops experts be included in the group?
I’m fine with the way the committee is set up. The truth is this — everyone is going to want to see things amended regardless of what the present circumstances are. That’s going to be the case regardless of any situation.
From the Fans….
Will the committee actually weigh any losses without Jaylen Adams when considering the Bonnies resume? Also, does Jon think an Olean winter is tougher than a weekend at your in-laws?
Yes. The committee always evaluates a potential NCAA Tournament team based on the product it will show when or if it qualifies for the NCAA Tournament.
Have you ever been to Olean for a game? If so, what were your take-aways? Did hit up Angies or the Beef and Barrel for a meal?
I have not.
With the changing landscape of college hoops, what programs would be “next” on the A10’s wish list should certain programs leave in the future (Potentially a Dayton, VCU)? Who are great fits?
I’ve never been a believer in speculating on speculation.
It has always seemed to me that the A10 coaches really get along well personally. Is this common to college hoops or is our league a bit more “tightly knit’ than most?
This is definitely true. There’s a special camaraderie among coaches in the Atlantic 10 and a strong mutual respect.
You love your Italian meals, where’s the best spot to go in Brooklyn before the A10 Tournament for us fans?
Bamont’s. Withers Street.
