Why did you choose to attend Saint Joseph's College?
I came to Saint Joseph's College for the academic and athletic experience. I wanted an academic environment where I could have a relationship with my professors in the classroom as well as out. At the same time, I wanted a big-time college basketball program. It was very hard to find, but with the attention Coach Simonds and assistant coach John Scheinman gave me and my family, I knew Saint Joseph's College was the place for me.
When did you realize that you wanted to be a coach?
I realized I wanted to be a coach at a young age. Our friendships revolved around basketball. My dream was to stay involved with basketball somehow. I guess, looking back, we were all basketball geeks. Growing up in New York and on Long Island, you came in contact with a lot of legendary and successful coaches. You went to their camps, you listened to them speak. At the time, the Big East Conference was the best in college basketball. It had captivating coaches: John Thompson (Georgetown), Lou Carnesecca (St. John's), PJ Carlisemo (Seton Hall), Rollie Massimino (Villanova), Jim Boehim (Syracuse), Jim Calhoun (UCONN), Rick Pitino (Providence); not to mention the Long Island natives involved in coaching: Bob McKillop, Larry Brown, Ralph Willard, Billy Donovan, Matt Daugherty, Seth Greenberg, Al Skinner. Every which way you turned there was this basketball coach getting recognized for his efforts; what wouldn't you like as a little kid?
Who was your biggest influence as a coach?
My parents had a huge influence on my being a coach. They taught my brothers and I discipline, they demanded honesty of us, they showed us what it means to be dedicated to someone or something by their actions to our family. It is no surprise that I became a coach; my middle brother became a manager in the legal compliance division at Morgan Stanley and my youngest brother is a 6th grade educator.
What is your most memorable moment as a player? As a coach?
My most memorable moment as a player was when I got my practice jersey after successfully going through the conditioning program as a freshman. I became part of a storied program, a basketball fraternity where nothing was given; everything was earned. I also became a Saint Joseph's College student-athlete which allowed me to meet a tremendous amount of outstanding people that I consider life-long friends.
My most memorable moment as a coach was our first road trip to SUNY Plattsburgh. We took vans from Standish, Maine, through New Hampshire, and Vermont. We then jumped on two ferries across Lake Champlain into Plattsburgh, New York. It was the first time I got to hear the team clap when we walked into the classroom for pre-game. I still get chills hearing the team clap every time the staff walks into the locker room for pre-game.
What is your funniest or most embarrassing moment as a coach?
The funniest moment as a coach was the 2003-04 overnight trip to Fort Kent. We knew the trip was going to be eventful when our bus driver told us he was the stunt driver for the movie "Speed." Coach Wing and I thought it would be a great team builder to stay in cabins instead of a hotel on this trip. On the bus driver's way back from dropping the women's team off at the gym, he managed to run the bus off this windy road where the cabins were located. We did not have time for the pay-loader to pull the bus back on the road. The owners of the cabins called some neighbors and we transported our players one hour in the backs of pick-up trucks and SUV's in the winter! Coach Wing and I took one for the team, as we road with the bags in the cargo area of the suburban. We still laugh about it to this day.
Favorites:
Movie: Bronx Tale
Food: Anything my Mom cooks
Pro sports team: NY Mets, NY Giants, NY Rangers, NY Knicks (don't' tell anybody)
Pro athlete: Why?
Ervin "Magic" Johnson.
He loved what he did every day. He brought enthusiasm and a smile to the court. He was an excellent and brilliant passer who brought excitement to the sport. Plus, he was a 6-9 point guard, the tallest in NBA's history. He was a winner; he earned a high school championship, college championship, NBA title, and USA Gold medal. With that said, what could you not admire? Plus, he beat up on the Boston Celtics. Remember, "Magic" sky-hooked and rebounded the Lakers to victory with 42 points, 15 boards, 7 assists and 3 steals. He became the first rookie ever to win the Finals MVP Award. The stunning effort exemplified his uncanny ability to do whatever the Lakers needed in order to win.
Most famous person you've met:
Dick Vitale
If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
My Grandfather, Jacquino Sanicola. Growing up in an Italian household, family is the most important aspect. He passed away before I was born, when my Dad was in college. All I know of him are the stories that get passed down. My brothers and I continue to hear about his family dinners that lasted for 12 hours, how much he loved his family and how hard he worked for a better life. I know we have the stories and those will never leave us, but I would have loved to be at the table with him to try the famous "oatmeal."
Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know:
My Dad's cousin, Hank Sanicola was Frank Sinatra's manager.
Hobbies away from basketball:
Golf has become a competitive substitute in the off-season, but I am willing to learn a few more. My brother just bought a sailboat ... I would love to learn how to sail. Plus, if I learn to sail, I would get to spend more time with him.
What you look for in a player when recruiting:
There are five characteristics the Saint Joseph's College basketball program and my parents have taught me. Honesty, Discipline, Dedication, Enthusiasm, and Dependability are at the forefront of being a successful person both on and off the court. A good jump shot doesn't hurt either, but never at the expense of those five characteristics.
What do you do in the off-season?
Off-season!? Off-season!? What are we talking about, off-season!? Just kidding! You are always trying to get an advantage. We will be recruiting, watching game film, reading books, visiting with other coaches, meeting with alumni. But the one thing I have learned, you always make time to be around family.
What did it mean for you and your team to be in the GNAC?
Being part of an athletic conference was a great step for us institutionally. Athletically, we have a home with 10 other colleges as part of the men's basketball family. There will be some sibling rivalries and competitive times, but at the end of the day, you root for everyone in your family to do well.