First Coach Bennett, let me say thanks for answering these questions. I know the common fans appreciate you taking the time.
BM: After the stunning accomplishments of last season, at which time you stated that one of your lifetime career goals had been achieved, how do you maintain your edge? What motivates you? Is it your natural competitiveness? Do you utilize others doubts about aspects of your program to motivate you? What are your remaining career goals now that you have accomplished so much?
DB: Each season takes on a life of its own...its own motivation, doubts, etc. My remaining goals are much the same...conference title, run at National Title.
BM: Al McGuire walked out on top. Were you tempted to do the same? Do you feel you have reached the top?
DB: Yes, I was tempted, but really Im nowhere near the top.
BM: Has the Final Four changed your approach to recruiting? Have you noticed any differences? Or, are these benefits of making it to the Final Four sometimes overrated by fans?
DB: We have more recognition, but when all is said and done, things are not much different.
BM: How does it make you feel to see comments that your clubs are un-athletic and slow when in reality the brand of defense that you demand from your players requires tremendous athleticism, albeit a different kind of athleticism?
DB: Im quite used to comments like these....learned to live with them.
BM: How did you feel the team progressed on your European trip? Was there one player who you felt distinguished themselves in an area you might have previously questioned?
DB: We didnt play as well as we should have, but Kirk Penney played well offensively. We need a lot from him this year.
BM: There are always players who are naturally driven in the off season to improve their physical strength/conditioning as well as their overall games. Mark Vershaw has been criticized for not being as dedicated as others when it comes to the off-season weight training. How do you handle players like this who dont seem to prioritize elements of the game that you value? What kinds of tactics can be used to get-through to players who have skills, but may not be getting all they can out of these skills?
DB: This is always a challenge. The motivation has to come from teammates, and then the player must be made aware that he is accountable...playing time is best motivator.
BM: While there have been no specific findings regarding the entire Shoe Box mess, I would presume you have some idea as to what you are going to be facing. How do you plan to keep your remaining players focused? Have you taken anything from watching how Coach Alvarez has managed to hold his team together?
DB: Ours will be different. Only a couple of guys will miss games. Probably we will get them over with ASAP.
BM: There are a number of players on the team who have a strong belief in their faith. Likewise, I am sure there are players who are not as religious. Has this ever been divisive? Is this issue discussed? Specifically, how do you intend to deal with the Ricky Bower situation if it becomes an issue? In general, how do you maintain team unity when you have a group of players that might have very different interests and are not natural friends?
DB: Most, if not all, have faith. We do talk about faith. Each person is respected for his beliefs. A basketball team really takes on the characteristics of a family. Sometimes it can be dysfunctional...still you try to stay together...communication helps!
BM: What excites you about this years Badger team?
DB: Experience
BM: What concerns you?
DB: Scoring and rebounding.
BM: Mike Kelleys defensive accomplishments are well known to Badger fans. However, many have been critical at times of his offensive game. Please speak to what Mike brings to your team on the offensive end? Where would you like to see him improve offensively?
DB: Mike runs the show. He handles, passes, screens. I would like him to be an opportunistic scorer.
BM: Last year Doc and Bryant supplied the perimeter presence for the Badgers? Can Kirk Penney be counted on the carry the load in this regard? Who else do you see stepping up and becoming a consistent perimeter threat?
DB: Kirk can and the others should improve. Ricky Bower will help.
BM: What does this team need to do in order to become more consistent offensively in general? How can they avoid those 6 minute slumps that have seemed all too common at times against strong defensive opponents?
DB: We must get some easy baskets (transition, force turnovers, and get to the foul line).
BM: What are your feelings about the Julian Swartz situation? We know it was tough for him to not see many minutes after dropping the redshirt. What can a coach do or say to a player when they need to bear the brunt over a mistake made by his coach?
DB: This was NOT a mistake. He isnt in school this year. Had he not played last year he would have used two of his five.
BM: Which individual opponents have been the biggest pains to play against? Which have been the most difficult to defend or account for?
DB: Ken Johnson (Ohio State), BB Waldon (South Florida), Joe Crispin (PSU), Charlie Bell (MSU).
BM: Which players in your career far exceeded your expectations as to what they could accomplish?
DB: Terry Porter, Tony Bennett, Jeff Nordgaard, Mike Kelley, Jon Bryant, Dave Burkemper
BM: Which coaches do you most respect? Any up and comers you admire?
DB: Gene Keady, Coach K, Mike Montgomery, Tom Izzo, Bo Ryan, Mike Heidemann
BM: What are your feelings regarding how the Bob Knight situation finally came to a head?
DB: I feel sad. I did not want it to end this way.
BM: How have the young men you take into your program changed over the last 25 years? Are kids still kids, or are they a different breed today? What kinds of problems might that present for a coach with very traditional basketball beliefs?
DB: They are more informed, not so different otherwise. I dont think the problems with the players are any different.
BM: Ethics in recruiting is a hot topic these days, specifically related to the AAU summer camp circuit. Any thoughts? Is there anything that can be done to protect the kids and weed out the unethical recruiters?
DB: Cut back some on the summers. Put as much as possible in the hands of High Schools...educate kids and parents.
BM: How do you respond to a potential recruit who asks how long you are going to continue to coach? How will you explain to a potential recruit (when that time comes), that you are only going to coach for x more years and will not see his class through?
DB: I tell them I want to coach next season (or this season) and then when next season comes, Ill decide again.
BM: When you do decide to hang up the whistle, would you like a former player/assistant to follow you at Wisconsin? Which former players of yours might you see as having a career in coaching in general?
DB: I would love to see an assistant moved up, assuming the program is in good shape. Right now, Brad Soderburg would be my overwhelming choice.
BM: Thanks again Coach Bennett and good luck this year.