Cavalier Corner

February 2012

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CAVALIERSPORTS five questions MEN'S BASKETBALL ASSISTANT COACH RITCHIE MCKAY Cavalier Corner: You've been a Division I head coach at five schools (Portland State, Colorado State, Oregon State, New Mexico and Liberty) be- fore joining coach Tony Bennett's staff as associ- ate head coach here in 2009. What are the major differences between being a head coach and an assistant, and do you miss being a head coach? McKay: "As an assistant you don't feel like you're bearing the full responsibility of your team's per- formance or the outcome of the game. I think, especially in this day and age, head coaches are under so much pressure and are evaluated on the outcome of the scoreboard. Sometimes, if you're not balanced enough, that can be a little overwhelming. "There are certain elements that I miss. I think one day I may want to do it again, but I have a tremen- dous job working with — and I mean this sincerely, this isn't coach-speak — one of the best people in the world. Tony's just a great, great person." Cavalier Corner: You and Coach Bennett go back a long ways. How did you guys first meet, and why do you guys click so well? McKay: "His dad [Dick Bennett] was a mentor of mine who I spent some time with. Through my af- finity for [him], I followed Tony and admired him as a player and I tried to hire him way back in the day after his NBA career or toward the end of it when I was at Colorado State. "I think we have a like faith and are both incred- ibly competitive. I think we also have a high level of respect for each other and with each person on our staff." Cavalier Corner: How does living in Charlottes- ville and coaching at UVa compare to some of your other coaching stops? McKay: "We've enjoyed all our experiences ac- tually at the different stops, but Charlottesville ranks right up there near the top with the quality of people who reside in this community and the outstanding institution that UVa is. "Our kids have really enjoyed their scholastic experience here. It's been all positive." Cavalier Corner: Who is the most talented player you've ever coached? McKay: "Danny Granger [played at New Mexico, current member of the Indiana Pacers]. Danny could do a little bit of everything good and a cou- ple of things great. His work ethic was tireless. He sought improvement. "He was dying to get to the highest level and prove himself. Needless to say, he's done that." Cavalier Corner: This is your second year of competing in "Shots From the Heart," a charity event that aims to create more awareness of heart disease and benefits the Skip Prosser Foundation. Why is this an important thing for you? 8 ◆ CAVALIER CORNER For the second consecutive year, McKay is competing in "Shots From the Heart," a char- ity event that aims to create more awareness of heart disease and benefits the Skip Prosser Foundation. PHOTO BY ANDREW SHURTLEFF McKay: "It was important because of the cause. Skip Prosser was a man who really embodied what our profession is about. Any time we can bring awareness to it and maybe help somebody else's life, I think it's a privilege to be a part of." — Whitelaw Reid

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