QUIN SNYDER ON HIS INTERVIEW WITH MIKE BROWN

Here is a portion of an interview with Lakers assistant Quin Snyder on the Lakers Blog, its a 3 part interview. You can read Part 1 and Part 2 in its entirety.

You’ve developed a reputation for quickly developing players. How do you do that?

Development is generally thought of in the context of skills and physical maturity. But there are probably more players that face the challenge of developing as competitors and teammates. Players know when coaches are vested in their success, and helping their overall development is definitely something that I enjoy. As a college coach, it is obvious college players need to get better. And what I found in both the D-League and in the NBA is that players always want to get better.

What did you learn as a Duke assistant under Mike Krzyzewski (1993-99)?

The really unique thing about my relationship with Coach K is that I also played for him. So there was a connection there that began at a very young age. He gave me an opportunity to really try to impact the program and he allowed me the autonomy to work in recruiting, developing guys and everything else that a college program’s foundation relies on. His confidence in me and his willingness to delegate responsibilities is an unbelievable strength of his.

During your interview with Brown, what points did you emphasize?

I wanted to show him that I could fill any need on the staff, whether it’s on the side of player development, scouting, game preparation or execution in practice. An assistant coach has to wear a lot of hats, but our primary job is to support the head coach and the players. You have to be prepared to do that in any given situation.

How did sell yourself in the job interview?

I brought plenty of examples of things that I have done, everything from scouting reports, game preparation and hundreds of practice plans that I made when I was a head coach. I also showed him my pick and roll analysis. I think pick and roll offense and defense are fundamentally important in the NBA. It’s something I wrote an article on a while ago in FIBA Assist Magazine. I wanted to show him that and emphasize it, because of the high percentage of possessions that have pick and roll in them.

I also had examples of philosophical things that I felt both about offense and defense. The fact that I have opinions was something that I wanted him to know, and that I would be willing to offer my opinion and defend it even when there was disagreement. To do that in the right kind of way will hopefully add value. I wanted him to know that I was serious and really wanted the job and maybe that was the biggest thing.