The Front Nine: Coach Bill Courtney

April 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment

This article originally appeared in the April 2012 issue of MemphiSport

Coach Bill Courtney has gone from local high school coach to nation wide star in a matter of months. The documentary Undefeated, about the Manassas Tigers 2009 football season, has gained nationwide attention thanks to its intimate portrayal of inner city athletics. Before Courtney arrived at Manassas, the program that had never won a football playoff game, and its’ players were more likely to go to jail than to college.

With so many great and memorable moments during your time at Manassas High School, which one makes you the proudest?

There were 19 seniors on the 2009 team and 19 of them went to college.  That makes me the .proudest.  And I do not mean that they went to play college football.  I mean went to college.  There was a scene where Aaron asked the kids how many of them had a mother and father who both went to college and nobody raised their hand out of 70 kids.  And then he asked how many people have a family member incarcerated and every one of them raised their hand.  We are talking about a zip code where kids are more likely to go to jail than to college, and 19 kids graduated off of that 2009 team and 19 went to college.  So that has to be the thing I am most proud of.

When did you know or feel like Manassas had turned the corner from being a bad football team to a good or respectable team?

Going into the 2006 season. And it was not because I felt like I had more talent, but because that was a group of juniors and seniors that I had been with for three years.  They had come up understanding that X’s and O’s was secondary to character, discipline, and commitment.  So as upperclassmen they started tutoring the new freshmen and sophomores coming into the program on how to act.  Not how to play football, but how to act.  And I knew once I had that kind of leadership based in the right fundamentals that we were going to start getting good, and we did.

How did you stop the filming of the documentary from becoming a distraction for your team?

Dan (Lindsey), Rich, and TJ (Martin) were 30 year old guys with no credit to their name except a documentary on beer pong for God’s sake.  There was no crew; it was just two guys carrying around camcorders.  We did not think this was going to be a major production, but the opposite.  We thought we might see this thing buried on channel 365 at three in the morning some random Wednesday.  They went to graduation, prom, they taught a film class, they were at chalk talk playbook studies, they were at practice and games.  So the truth is you were cognizant of the fact that two guys were running around with cameras, but because they were so consistent and always around that they blended into the team.

Did anything happen during the movie that you were not aware of while the movie was taking place?

Yep, the scene where I am walking away from my son’s football game carrying his equipment.  I did not know they filmed that, and the first time I watched the movie, that scene about broke me down.  Earlier in the movie I talked about my relationship with my father. Then I am watching the movie for the first time and that scene comes up.  I did not know they were filming, I had no idea it was in the movie, and it was so intimate for me that the scene hit me in the face hard.  It really showed how my life from 15 years old to 43 years old had come full circle.

Is there anything you would do differently?

Yeah, absolutely!  I would not have called pro right trap left.

If there was one message you want a young person to take from the documentary what would it be?

Do right.  Every human being who is born on this Earth knows right from wrong.  It is just whether or not they choose to do right.  If you do right you will be disciplined, committed, and people will be willing to give you an opportunity to get out of your circumstances.  So do right, because if you do right you cannot do wrong.  None of this has to be complicated.  If you do right and realize that your foundation cannot be a football then you will do fine.  If you get off track of that then you are going to end up falling on your butt.

Which actor should play you in the remake?

Man I don’t care.  I leave that up to the artist. But Chris Farley is dead so I do not know what they will do.

Did you or Manassas get an Oscar?

No, that is for the producers and directors and stuff.  It is enough that a documentary, made about our lives, is an Oscar winner.  We do not need a 14 inch piece of metal to validate us.  We did what we did and we are who we are.  Our story has garnered attention from the entire country, and brought heart felt emotions from places we didn’t even know existed.  That is what matters, not some stupid statue.

Was the most memorable thing about being at the Academy Awards?

I had just finished an interview with Ryan Seacrest and when I turned to go to the next reporter and I bumped into somebody.  So when I turned around to apologize it was George Clooney.  When I stuck my hand out to say, “Excuse me George, hi I am Bill Courtney,” he says, “Hey coach!  How are you?”  And I thought if George Clooney recognizes me this thing has gotten to be pretty big.

Which rags to riches story best exemplifies the documentary Mighty Ducks, Blind Side, or Bad News Bears? 

Bad News Bears because it is a story about kids who were not doing anything with their life.  Who turned it around and got better.  And a very unlikely coach who led them.

What do you mean when you say football does not build character it reveals it?

You don’t have control over anything but your soul, your character, your worth and what goes on inside of you.  So something as trivial as football game is not going to build character.  What builds character is our recognition that the only thing you have control over at the end of the day is how you walk, how you handle yourself, your character, your discipline, your commitment, your courage, your honor. And then, the trials that are put in front of you throughout your life reveals the character that you built.  I do not think football or working hard builds anything, what builds character is something of much greater depth than just football.

 Photo Courtesy of Manassas High School
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Core Things to Look For as Memphis Moves to the Big East

March 30, 2012 by 6 Comments

This article originally appeared in the March 2012 issue of MemphiSport

As the Tiger basketball team winds up another season in Conference USA, it’s time to look ahead to how things will start to the look in the future as they move to the Big East. Here are a few things Tiger fans will want to keep an eye on in the future as the scene begins to change a bit.

1. Expectations:  Automatic 20 win seasons will be a thing of the past. The prospect of an undefeated  conference run will be laughable. Can Memphis fans, who are notorious for thinking their team is often better than it is, accept that finishing above .500 in conference should be considered a success?

2. Coaching: Whether it be Josh Pastner or someone else at the helm, in game decisions will become ever more crucial for the Tigers.  A poorly used timeout here or there, lack of the right play called, or a bad substitution could end up costing 4 or 5 games a year. So whoever runs the team will have be on top of his game. And let’s say you do need a new coach at some point. Is the Memphis job now more or less attractive?

3. Tournament at MSG: The Big East Conference Tournament is played perennially at Madison Square Garden. Gone will be home court advantage in the postseason and along with that will likely be regular conference tournament titles. Not being able to host the tournament is also a bit of a hit on the local economy. Will that be offset by teams in big markets making consistent trips to Memphis?

4. Travel: Depending on how the conference ends up looking logistically, Memphis may end up regularly traveling to both coasts. Will this lead to tired legs and some subpar performances? And will Tiger supporters be able to make as many road games as they are used to being able to attend?

5. Scheduling: What kinds of teams will the Tigers put on their no conference slate. It now becomes less important to have national programs on the schedule, so where does that lead? Will there be more of an effort to get local rivals on the bill or will there be more cupcakes?

6. Recruiting: Memphis has been able to recruit elite talent for some time now, but it will be required to perhaps turn it up a notch to even be a middle of the pack team in the league. Will recruiting become harder or easier in the Big East? Just like the coaching aspect, selling the program to potential recruits can no longer include guaranteeing a kid that he’ll win 20 plus games just by being on the floor.

7. National Perception: It will be hard to play the woe is me card and to keep complaining about the lack of respect for the program. Memphis has tended to be a fringe team, an outsider so to speak, and now they are joining the big boys club. Many teams relish the position of being able to have a chip on their shoulder as they always seemed to get overlooked. But that situation will definitely change now. Although you may not quite be seen as Goliath, you are definitely no longer David.

8. Attendance: Memphis has long been a program that draws well, but with such a large arena to fill, there are usually seats to be had for most any game, especially against league foes. Will more big time opponents regularly visiting FedExForum actually make tickets almost virtually impossible to come by?

9. Athletic Director: Who will lead the program going forward? It is possible that more schools will still leave the Big East. Leadership will be crucial during this time. Say what you want about R.C. Johnson, he has kept the basketball program successful. From the hiring of Calipari and Pastner to finally landing Memphis a spot in The Big East, he has kept Memphis on the map.

Michael Jones is the Tiger basketball beat writer for MemphiSport. You can follow him on Twitter @MemphisMichaelJ. 

-Photo courtesy of the BIG EAST Conference/American Eagle Outfitters

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Front Nine: Ferrakohn Hall

January 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment

This article originally appeared in the January 2012 issue of MemphiSport. 

After playing in the Big East with Seton Hall, this 6’8” 224 lb. forward transferred to the University of Memphis, Ferrakohn Hall became eligible to play last month.

What do you think the biggest difference will be between playing in Conference USA versus the Big East?

Well, C-USA has a lot of really good teams, a lot of really athletic teams, and that may be a large difference. The Big East is probably a lot more physical. But all college basketball teams are very good. You can’t underestimate anybody’s abilities.

You transferred from Seton Hall to Memphis. What was the main factor that made you come here?

As you can tell, this is home for me. I always wanted to be at home, and when the opportunity presented itself I definitely wanted to just grab hold of it. I love Memphis, Tennessee and I wanted to go out there and play for those guys. And once I get comfortable on the court I can show it all.

When you were a kid, did you envision yourself one day becoming a Tiger? 

Most definitely. I couldn’t see myself doing anything but that. And later on down the road in high school things didn’t go correctly and I couldn’t quite come, but I knew in my mind that I always wanted to get back to Memphis. I grew up watching the old Memphis teams: Kelly Wise and Earl Barron. It goes further beyond that but that was my era of watching guys. My big brother, James Scruggs is a very big fan of Memphis, so that’s how I was.

What would make you consider this a successful season?

That we go on to win big. We want to win a championship, you know. I don’t want personal glory, I just want us to win. To try to win every game from here on out.

Who is the player you most admire or want to be like?

I look at a lot of different players in the NBA and try to emulate those guys’ game like Chris Bosh, Thaddeus Young, Tayshaun Prince. There are a lot of guys that are kind of like me, play the four and have had to play a lot of different positions. There are so many kinds you can’t really name them.

As a transfer, how tough has it been having to sit out the beginning of the year and watch?

It’s been very difficult. You sit there and you want to say things, but at the same time, you know, once you get in there, are you going to be able to do this? So you can’t really voice your opinion until you get in and do your own thing. But now that I’m in there I can see things and I’m starting to try to figure everything out.

Who has better food? Memphis or New Jersey?

Memphis. Come on man. It’s obvious. I’m not into Italian food. I like barbecue and chicken wings, that type of stuff. It’s different up there. We eat Chinese food and Italian but here it’s a lot better.

You can’t necessarily play basketball the rest of your life. What else might you see yourself doing?

I’d like to get into sportscasting. Or sports management or something. The other day I was talking to the bus driver, and I don’t want to be a bus driver. But I’ll do whatever it takes to take care of myself and help my family out.

Your last name is Hall, and you wound up at Seton Hall. Are you going to change your name to Memphis now?

I wish my last name was Memphis, but it’s all good, that’s my middle name. I love Memphis. I bleed blue.

Michael Jones is the Tiger basketball beat writer for MemphiSport. You can follow him via Twitter @MemphisMichaelJ.

-Photos by Justin Ford


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The Front Nine with Geoff Calkins

September 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment

This article originally appeared in the September 2011 issue of MemphiSport.

Geoff Calkins made history when he became the first person ever to defeat Jarvis Greer in the M Awards’ “Best  TV Sports Personality” category.
An award-winning Commercial Appeal columnist and TV host, Geoff takes a few minutes out of his hectic schedule to answer nine  questions for MemphiSport. Click here for the full list of winners in the 2011 M Awards.

 

Who is the best interview you have had on the TV show?

I had Gary Parrish interview me once. Does that count? Nah, I’d say Lionel Hollins was really good, especially because that one surprised people, the way he opened up. But we’ve had an interesting mix. John Kilzer, the former Memphis basketball player turned rock star turned minister, talking about addiction. Gene Bartow, unable to get through an answer about his old star, Larry Finch. Tarik Black and Will Coleman were hilarious. Houston Nutt was much better than I thought.

In all your coverage of sports in Memphis, what story stands out? 

More than anything, I’ve been impressed by the way the sports universe here has been transformed, almost entirely for the better. AutoZone Park was built during my tenure. The Grizzlies arrived. John Calipari had his glorious rise and fall. Mike Tyson fought here twice. And now, people are actually starting to get off their couches and move around, thanks to the Green Line.

Howard Stern calls himself the ‘King of All Media’. You might be considered the ‘King of all Sports Media in Memphis’, with TV, newspaper and radio gigs. Do you have any other irons in the fire? A book or a movie?

I recently turned down a two-hour radio show because, honestly, I’m already overcommitted. I’m not the king of anything. I’m an NBA halftime show, trying to keep all my juggling dishes in the air. I would like to assemble a book of columns, though. Possibly coming soon.

Are you concerned that you are contributing to the unemployment problem by having so many jobs?

I am concerned I will be contributing to my own personal unemployment problem if I don’t keep hacking away.

What has been the most fun part of your three jobs (newspaper, radio, TV)? 

I’m a columnist at heart. I like telling stories. That will always be my favorite part of any gig. But the TV show has been much more fun than I thought. I can even read off a teleprompter now, like a certain other Harvard Law graduate who is in the news from time to time.

What do you spend all your money on?

Legos for my three boys and chicken feed for my four bantam hens.

With all the awards you have won, you could get a job in nearly any market, why do you stay in Memphis?

I moved every two years until I got here. When I arrived, I thought I’d probably move again. But Memphis is home now, in every sense of that word. At some point, you realize that if you’re happy, you don’t have to go chasing jobs on the off chance that they might make you happier still.

What do you take away from your win this year in the M Awards for ‘Favorite Local TV Sports Personality’?

A handsome cash prize, with any luck. Also, profound concern regarding the legitimacy of the  judging process.

If you were going to put together a band with only media members, who would be in the band and what part would you play (singer, violin, guitar etc)?

I’d play electric tuba. I’d put Jeff Weinberger in charge of chicks. George Lapides could handle promotions. Between sets, Gary Parrish could tell stories about himself. Chris Vernon would… you know, this whole enterprise is too perilous. I better stop now. Truth is, I like and respect most Memphis media members, especially – and, yes, I’m sucking up – my bosses at The Commercial Appeal.

 

Written by Mike Bullard, photo courtesy of WKNO. 

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The Front Nine with Shane Battier

February 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment

This article originally appeared in the February/March 2011 issue of Memphisport.

One of the most beloved players to ever wear a Grizzlies uniform, Battier played in Memphis’ for five years before being traded to the Houston Rockets.

There was a time when you said you wanted to be an NBA general manager. Do you still?

Oh, heck yeah. Being a GM of a major sports franchise is arguably one of my biggest dreams.

If you could be the GM of the Grizzlies, what would be the first thing you would do?

(Laughing) Man, it’s hard to say, really. Let me get back to you on that one…

So, how is your chess game?

You just keep the hard questions coming, I see. Well, my chess game has progressed considerably over, I’d say, the past three or four years. But there’s always room for improvement.

Who in the NBA can you beat at chess?

(Laughing) Coach (Rick) Adelman.

Does chess in any way prepare you for a game?

Well, that’s hard to say, really. You know, maybe that’s something I ought to take time to assess for the rest of this season.

Are you still the tech editor for HOOP Magazine?

Yeah, I’m still very much active with the magazine and I plan to do a lot more hands-on stuff with it in the offseason.

Who do you stay in touch with the most from the Grizzlies 50-win team?

Well, I speak with Pau (Gasol) on a regular basis. Of couse, a lot of that comes from playing in the same conference.

How often do you talk to Coach K?

Oh, man, Coach K is like a dad. And children with a tight
bond with their dad talk to their dad all the time. Even
after years of being in the NBA, I still reach out to Coach K
for wisdom and guidance. That’s priceless, man.

How long do you anticipate playing professional basketball?

As long as the league and teams enjoy having me. Basically, no one knows how long they will play professional ball. Me, on the other hand? I’m just enjoying the ride while the car is still in motion.

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The Front Nine with Hasheem Thabeet

December 5, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Hasheen Thabeet, 7’3” center born in Tanzania, was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the second overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. Since being drafted, he has averaged 2.8 points and 3.4 rebounds.

What is been your favorite part about Memphis?
The city has been great. Everybody has nice hospitality. The culture is different than in Connecticut. Over there, everybody is about themselves. Here, they talk to you, cooperate with you. Everybody is very amiable.

What is the hardest part about being 7’3”?
It’s when you go somewhere everyone says, “Wow, how tall are you?” I’ve been asked that so many times. Every day, everywhere I go. I’ll even be in the car, and people will say, “Wow, you’re really tall. How tall are you?” And that’s while I’m sitting down. But, I’m comfortable with my height.

How does it feel when someone calls you a bust?
I don’t really listen to that. Memphis picked me for a reason. They didn’t just find me walking in the street and put me on the team. Everybody out there can say whatever they want, but I’m happy. I’m happy to be in Memphis and I’m working my way up.

What are you focusing on with your game this year?
This year, my focus is on being in the game — being effective. I can’t just be in the game just to be in the game. I’ve got to be in the game and make everyone know that I’m here. My coaches told me that was my weakness during my rookie year. I wasn’t being vocal, I was just there in the game. I wasn’t doing anything. I worked on that, they helped me through, and now it’s so far, so good.

What is the deal behind you being at the mall and the store closing its doors while you’re there?
I don’t even ask. I just walk in there like anybody else. A lot of guys choose not to go to the mall, but I like to see what it’s like to be on the other side so people can see that I’m not just living the luxurious life everyday. I want to go over there and see how it is. Sometimes it gets hectic at the shops, but that’s OK. The first time they did that, it was really a ‘wow’ moment for me. I never thought one day it would happen to me. Some other NBA players, when they go to stores, they ask the stores to close the shop. And now that’s me.

Was it difficult adjusting to the southern accent when you came to Memphis?
I was coached in college by Jim Calhoun. Nobody ever understood what he was saying anyway. But I learned from him. And if you can understand his Boston accent, you can understand anybody.

What’s on your iPod?
Rick Ross, Kanye West, Drake. I listen to a lot of different kinds of music.

What’s your favorite part about being on Twitter?
I like being able to interact with the fans. A lot of people think we’ll never respond because of our status, but I actually respond. I talk to people. Some people think we just go out there and play. They don’t know that we’re going through a lot of work. A lot of people think PR people are doing it for me, but that’s not true. When I’m responding, that’s really me.

Where did you come up with “peepo”?
I came up with it myself. It came from trying to abbreviate. You only get 140 letters to write, so I just made it up. I see now that everyone uses it. It’s pretty cool.

Written by Brandon Harris, Photo by JD Meredith

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5Q with Pau Gasol

April 28, 2010 by Leave a Comment

1. What are the biggest differences between Memphis and L.A.?
 Los Angeles is much more bigger and livelier than Memphis, and I think there are way more beautiful women in L.A.

2. What do you miss most about Memphis?
 I miss the good barbecue, man, and Beale Street.

3. Can you think of a reason why a Memphis fan might boo you when you come back to Memphis to play?
 I play for L.A. Everybody loves to boo and trash-talk the world champions.

4. Will you ever shave the beard?
 No. No time soon. Well…maybe when I retire from professional basketball.

5. Do you think your brother, Marc, will ever make an All-Star team?
 I sure hope so. I would love to see that. As long as he continues to improve and learn the NBA, I can’t see why he wouldn’t make an All-Star roster.

Filed Under: The Front Nine