Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
March 12, 2001

Spink is averaging 7.8 points and is seond on the team in rebounds per game (5.7). (Allsport)

Check out what Gonzaga foward Mark Spink had to say during his chat about going to the NCAA Tournament for the third year in a row.

Spink, a senior, has been steadily improving during his four years as a Bulldog. He is averaging 7.8 points, has 29 blocked shots and is second on the team in rebounds per game (5.7).

Gonzaga (24-6, 13-1) made it to the Big Dance by beating Santa Clara in the finals of the West Coast Conference Tournament. They are seeded 12th and will play No. 5 seed Virginia. Chat transcript below.

Mark Spink: Hello everyone! And to my family on the west side of the mountains in Bellingham and Seattle!

Question: gospink: What was the feeling like today at practice knowing what you are getting prepared for?

Mark Spink: Today was a typical day in practice. We know who we are preparing for and today was preparing for their style of offense and defense.

Question: dribbler: Mark, how do you feel you guys match up with Virginia?

Mark Spink: Pretty good draw! They're athletic. A trapping team who likes to get up and down the court. We'd like to think we match up well with them. We've played against some athletic, trapping teams and have fared well. So we are hoping to do well against UVA.

Question: gonzo: Are you guys going to be prepared for Virginia's dangerous up tempo game?

Mark Spink: We think so. We've played teams like Pepperdine, Florida, and Arizona who, to an extent, play that up tempo style. So we think we'll be prepared coming into the game.

Question: ncaahoops: What do you think of going South instead of West like the last few years?

Mark Spink: Obviously it is a disappointment for the fans and families of some of the players. We've performed well in the tournament and hopefully the South bracket will treat us as well as the West has.

Question: dukie10: Hey mark How good did it feel to win defensive player of the year? Do you think you can shut down Adam Hall as well?

Mark Spink: It was quite and honor. I am thankful the coaches voted for me. But that award is more for the team and the style of defense we play. Like I have said, they are a good team. They have great players and it will be a test for all of us on the team to stop them.

Question: gonzo: What is it about Mark Few that makes him the WCC Coach of the Year?

Mark Spink: I think Coach Few is a very articulate and well spoken coach. He has been around the game a long time and knows it well. He was an assistant for 10 years or so and knows how to develop a rapport with the players. He is easy to get along with and because of that the players relate to him and the teams do well.

Question: rappel: Mark, the west coast conference has been great for a long time, do you think they'll finally get the credit they deserve with Santa Clara, Pepperdine and yourselves

Mark Spink: It was disappointing that neither SC or Pepperdine got bids to the NCAA tournament. I think you are correct that the WCC is a solid league. Last year it was nice to see Pepperdine and Gonzaga make it. But it is an honor that we are the representative to the tournament this year.

Question: mrorholm: Being aware of the points of emphasis this year in officiating, how do you feel the WCC officials have done compared to other games you have watched on television?

Mark Spink: I think the officials in our league have been consistent throughout. The hand checking and post play, they have tried to clean up. But they started with the first game and were consistent through the season.

Question: kuethduany: Are you guys preparing only for UVA or are you watching tape of other possible opponents in your bracket as well?

Mark Spink: Right now we are just preparing for the University of Virginia. That is the task at hand. It is futile to prepare for the other teams. If you lose in the first round, there IS no second game.

Question: coachbaker: Mark I am a high school basketball coach, how do you as a senior help in preparing your teammates for the ncaa tournament? besides your tournament win, what was the biggest win in your career?

Mark Spink: Good question! You try to impress on the younger players to concentrate on the game. There is a lot of media attention that goes along with it and outside obligations. We try to impress to them that we are here to play basketball and try to get a few wins while we are there. I think one of the biggest wins for the program and myself personally was the Florida win to get to the Elite 8, two years ago. It shattered the Cinderella monicker and woke some teams up across the country.

Question: dribbler: What is your schedule like this week? Crazy?

Mark Spink: Actually this is spring break! We don't have classes this week. We get to just concentrate on basketball.

Question: gu_donk: If the game gets too physical, do you think your team size will win out?

Mark Spink: One of the things we have prided ourselves on is our physical play. Hopefully the game will turn in that direction and negate their athleticism. That would let us dictate the terms of the game.

Question: gonzo: Who do you hang out with the most from the team? Do you guys hang out as a team off the court?

Mark Spink: I think we hang out a bunch as a team. We have team meals and functions we attend together. I've actually been lucky with the characters of the guys I have gotten to play with.

Question: gospink: What is your fondest memory about Gonzaga? I have been a fan all my life and have watched you and Casey grow up throughout this program.

Mark Spink: I think my fondest memory are the experiences I've had with basketball. With the wins and the success of the program. It has made the entire Gonzaga experience something I will cherish for a long time.

Question: kuethduany: What's the buzz on campus? do you expect a lot of your rowdy fans to travel so far to see you guys play?

Mark Spink: Actually no. That is the frustrating thing about having to play in Memphis. We won't have the fan support had we played in Boise or San Diego. But GU fans are boisterous and we should have enough to create quite a ruckus in the Pyramid.

Question: gufan: What was your reaction to Casey breaking the backboard?

Mark Spink: At first I thought we weren't going to be able to finish the game, not knowing they had spare backboards! But he is such a physical specimen. Knowing the amount of power it takes to break that; it was quite a sight.

Question: marty3: Do you think Virginia is overlooking Gonzaga and looking ahead too a second round Opponent?

Mark Spink: I don't think so. I don't think that, at this time of year, teams have the luxury of overlooking opponents. But I think that we have been overlooked in the past and that has allowed us to make the runs we've made in the tournament.

Question: gu_donk: Who tosses better alley-oops, Dickau or Santangelo?

Mark Spink: It is a toss up. But I think I would have to go with Dickau.

Question: azlwoods3: Spink what do you think about Dan Dickau and how you lucked out with him transferring! Without him do you think you would be tourney bound?

Mark Spink: When he was out, we were 5-4 during the 9 games he was gone. Since he returned we are 19-2. So I think Dickau is a critical part of this team's success.

Mark Spink: As far of him transferring, Coach Bender is probably kicking himself now for losing such a talented player as Dan.

Question: gospink: Do you still talk to the boys from last year? are you going to hoopfest?

Mark Spink: Actually Richie is still around and Mike just left to play in Germany. So I keep in touch with some of them. Yes, I think I will be attending hoopfest this year.

Question: sehome: Mark, are you the best athlete in your family?

Mark Spink: No. I have 3 older brothers that I pale in comparison to. And my sister is probably the most athletic out of all of us!

Question: marty3: Describe the "Level" of intensity there is when you compete in the NCAA Tournament?

Mark Spink: There is a certain finality to the games. You lose, you're done. The games become more intense with each team knowing they go home if they lose. Teams are more competitive and players are more aggressive. That is why the fans respond so well to this; there is an increased level of competitiveness.

Mark Spink: Thanks for the questions. Hopefully you will be cheering the Zags on when we play UVA. Goodnight!