May 27, 2008

After recently completing his first season with the Panthers, Tom Herrion proved to be a valuable asset to Coach Dixon and the University of Pittsburgh men's basketball program. Herrion previously was the head coach at the College of Charleston and has been an assistant coach at Virginia, Providence and Merrimack. On April 29, Herrion was promoted to Associate Head coach. Last week, pittsburghpanthers.com was able to interview Herrion about his summer plans, his first season with the team, and expectations for the coming year.

 

 

Since Pitt's season ended, have you been able to spend more time with the family?

 

"Yes, it's slowed down a little bit since the season ended. You are able to head home at a more reasonable hour. It's a good opportunity to see the family more."

 

 

 

Do you have any vacation plans or any other trips for the summer?

 

"We will hopefully get away in August and spend a week at the beach. As a coach, you have to make great sacrifices, and not having very much free time is one of them."

 

 

 

After a full season, have you got accustomed to Pittsburgh yet? What do you like about the city?

 

"Definitely, we have enjoyed getting to know the city. It's a wonderful place with lots to offer. It's great to see the area growing and we are proud to be a part of it."

 

 

 

How difficult has it been to make the transition from the College of Charleston to Pitt?

 

"It really hasn't been that difficult. It helps to work for great people like Coach Dixon. It makes it an easy transition."

 

 

 

What does the offseason consist of for you and the other coaches?

 

"It definitely cuts down travel. You are in Pittsburgh more and not heading to one city after the other. Mostly it's about the management of the players, both the current and incoming ones."

 

 

 

Can it be just as demanding as the regular season?

 

"It's not as demanding as the regular season. It's really a different type of grind. You're mostly completing office work, interacting with new players, and tying up loose ends."

 

 

  

Do the coaches and the players work closely during the summer with workouts, training, etc?

 

"There isn't any basketball interaction with us during the summer. The players work with our strength and conditioning coach, Tim Beltz. For us, it's more of office interaction rather than player interaction."

 

 

 

Does the team complete any community service during the offseason/summer? How important is it for the coaches and players to interact with the community?

 

"Yes, we look forward to working with various community affairs. The offseason gives us a time to work with alumni and the Panther club as well. It's really a great opportunity to get to know people. It's a great learning experience."

 

 

 

During your time as head coach at the College of Charleston, what insights about coaching were you able to obtain and bring with you when you arrived at Pitt?

 

"Well, most importantly you gain experience. As a coach, you see different situations wherever you are coaching and try to take those with you for the future. It's my 19^th year of coaching so I try to take a little bit from each of my stops."

 

 

 

With all of your coaching experience, with previous schools and now Pitt, what do you consider the most important things you need to be a great coach?

 

"First, you must have a passion for the game of basketball. You must be patient, as success doesn't always come right away and diligent, staying focused at all times. It's good to be fortunate sometimes too."

 

 

 

How strong is the relationship you have with Coach Dixon and the other assistant coaches?

 

"We all have a great relationship. Forming relationships with the other coaches has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my job so far. Most important, is that not only are they talented coaches but they are great people. The chemistry we have between one another is wonderful."

 

 

 

You were recently promoted to Associate Head Coach, how does that feel and what responsibilities come with that position?

 

"I really appreciate the confidence of Coach Dixon and Athletic Director Steve Pederson in believing that I will fit the position. It won't really change how we operate though. We have a great system in place and if it's not broken, why fix it?"

 

 

 

 What are your thoughts on this year's recruiting class?

 

"We are extremely happy with this year's class. It's a deep class with five talented players. We think we were able to address the team's needs. Best of all, they are really great kids and we see them all making some kind of impact in the future."

 

 

 

How much of your job is centered on recruiting? Do you enjoy going out and speaking with potential players?

 

"It's a good majority of the daily operations of my job. Recruiting has to been done daily. It is the lifeblood of a good basketball program."

 

 

 

How much did this past season mean to you as a coach, watching the players fight through adversity to succeed?

 

"It was really a unique set of circumstances with our great start, the injuries, and our thrilling finish in the Big East Tournament. We were like a boat that was rocking and had to be settled. It was the great leadership from Coach Dixon and the older players that kept the team focused throughout the season."

 

 

 

What was winning the Big East Championship like? What were you feeling as the clock was winding down?

 

"You are so engrossed in the game that it really doesn't sink in till later.  Now, it's great to look back and appreciate what the team accomplished. It was a tremendous run that you will never forget."

 

 

 

How can a coach improve from one season to the next? What adjustments can you make?

 

 

"I think knowing that you aren't satisfied helps you become stronger. You always need to challenge one another. A great work ethic is paramount in order to take that next step."

 

 

 

Lastly, would you like to stay here at Pitt for a long while?

 

 

"Absolutely, we have been able to settle in very nicely. My family is comfortable and loves it here, which is most important to me. It's a great place and we are excited to be here."