Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/54567
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) before joining coach Tony Bennett's staff as associate 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 bear- ing the full responsibility of your team's performance 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. Some- times, 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 tremendous 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 affinity 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 incredibly com- petitive. 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 Charlottesville and coaching at UVa compare to some of your other coach- ing stops? 8 ◆ CAVALIER CORNER For the second consecutive year, McKay is competing in "Shots From the Heart," a charity event that aims to create more awareness of heart disease and benefits the Skip Prosser Foundation. PHOTO BY ANDREW SHURTLEFF McKay: "We've enjoyed all our experiences actually 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 experi- ence here. It's been all positive." Cavalier Corner: Who is the most talented player you've FEBRUARY 2012