10 Questions with Curt Miller

3/21/2010

Bowling Green State University women's basketball coach Curt Miller is in his ninth season in charge of the Falcons. He's turned the program into a Mid-American Conference power and one of the top mid-majors in the country. The Falcons are six-time MAC regular-season champions and have won four of the last six conference tournaments. He is a five-time MAC coach of the year.

If you didn't choose coaching for a career, what other occupation would you have pursued?

“I went to college to get my sports administration degree and I thought if I couldn't get into coaching I wanted to stay involved in athletics. So, I believe I would be an athletic administrator.”

When did you realize you could become successful as a coach?

“Not until I got to Syracuse and got the day-in and day-out coaching and working against some of the best in the business in the Big East that I realized I think I could do this. Fortunately, it's worked out well.”

What is the highlight of your coaching career?

“Certainly, the first MAC championship was a highlight of my career. We got here in 2001 and the program was in a little disarray. … And there's nothing better than a mid-major going to the Sweet 16. That feeling in the locker room in the Breslin Center after we had upset Vanderbilt to go to the Sweet 16 (in 2007), I'm not sure if I ever felt a sense of accomplishment like that and so proud of a team in my 20 years of coaching.”

What is your favorite sport?

“Basketball was always my favorite sport. I actually went to a Division III school, not only to play basketball but to run track. I was probably recruited a little bit harder to run track than I was for basketball because of my size.”

What is your favorite TV program?

“I'm a Law and Order freak. I think I've seen every episode, ... and I watch every rerun that I possibly can.”

What is your favorite sports team?

“I don't have a favorite sports team any more, but I grew up a Philadelphia 76ers fan.”

What is your favorite Cleveland sports team?

“I was a huge Mark Price fan, so I love the Cavs too.”

Who is your all-time favorite basketball player?

“I've always loved role players and my favorite player of all time is someone that most people don't know of, Caldwell Jones from the Philadelphia 76ers. He was a great power forward for them.”

When you're not coaching, how do you spend time away from the court?

“I try to spend as much off-time as I can sneak in with my family, but I'm a sports buff. If I'm not coaching or watching tape I'm usually watching sports on ESPN.”

What is your favorite food/meal?

“Any meal that involves mashed potatoes, and I'm pretty good. But give me a chicken breast and mashed potatoes, and I'm good for the evening.”

— Donald Emmons