Speaker 1 00:00:12 Hello and welcome to the Roundhouse Podcast with Paul Sutro of Wichita State University Strategic Communications. Thank you for listening. Our guest is Brooke Costley. Brooke is an assistant coach on the Wichita State Women's Basketball Team. She was hired in April by coach Terry Noner, who has coached her since she was a youngster. Brooke played at Emporia State. She comes to Wichita State after coaching at Texas a and m Commerce, North Dakota State and Emporia State. So Brooke, let's start, tell us about choosing Wichita State to continue your, your coaching career.
Speaker 2 00:00:43 Yeah, I'm excited. Um, you know, Terry reached out to me about the job and I couldn't say no. I think it was a great opportunity to, um, work with family and then I know like the rich history at Wichita State is, um, rich and there's a lot of success. And just coming back and being close to home, it was just like a no-brainer to come back and just build something new here.
Speaker 1 00:01:04 So, Terry coached you, I think he said age, maybe 10 or 11. Yes. With the Missouri Phenoms. What was it like being coached by Terry Nooner at that age?
Speaker 2 00:01:11 Yeah, no, it was fun. It was, uh, really fun. You know, I think, uh, I have a lot of memories back to those days, um, ups and downs, but he kept it really light, kept it really fun. And it says a lot that I'm working for him today. Um, 10 plus years later. But, um, no, a lot of memories with him, I think the way he is now. It's funny cuz he's the same way he was when I was, when he was coaching me back in the day, the same, um, the same drills, you know, tough. He's gonna challenge you. Uh, I just remember doing those drills and wanting to just walk out the gym sometimes, um, cuz it was so hard. But I think because going through all that, he kind of made me who I am today. Um, and I'm excited to work for him. What's
Speaker 1 00:01:51 Your favorite Terry Nooner drill?
Speaker 2 00:01:54 Man, I don't, I wouldn't say I had a favorite. What's
Speaker 1 00:01:58 Your least
Speaker 2 00:01:58 Favorite? But what I do remember is we did, um, the Indian drill multiple times on in the court, um, around the gym. We did the Indian drill. I don't know when we would stop, but we just kept going and going and going. So I don't know why I remember that one, but I do. Do
Speaker 1 00:02:11 You have a least favorite drill?
Speaker 2 00:02:13 That is, that's the least favorite? Okay. Yes. To be honest.
Speaker 1 00:02:16 Describe that drill for us briefly.
Speaker 2 00:02:18 Um, we would just run and we would just have to sprint, like just run in a straight line with the team and then you'd have to sprint in front and we would just do it for a long time. I'm not sure why. Um, but we would, and I remember running 30 threes. We still do that today, running those 30 threes.
Speaker 1 00:02:37 Um, and those are sprints?
Speaker 2 00:02:38 Those are sprints, yes. So three down in backs, six touches.
Speaker 1 00:02:43 Anything to do with running basketball. Players seem to not, not love, even though it's good for 'em.
Speaker 2 00:02:47 Right, right. I feel like we were doing track.
Speaker 1 00:02:50 So take us back to playing at Emporia State. Did you always want to go into coaching? Was it something that hit you at some point during that? During that time,
Speaker 2 00:02:59 Yes. So I always knew when I went to college I wanted to coach. So my dad was a high school coach and basically when, since I was born, he has coached me or he was a co a coach, um, my whole life. So I kind of knew that's what I wanted to do. And then when I went to college, you know, I was like, I'm gonna get a degree. And I didn't really have a plan B, plan A was to coach and that's what I was gonna do. Um, so, and here I am.
Speaker 1 00:03:24 Why, what was it about the coaching life that appealed to you?
Speaker 2 00:03:28 Uh, just watching my dad, it was just fun. I just felt at home, always in the gym, you know, it's an active job. I didn't have to sit at a desk all day. I think that was the big thing, just being able to be active. Um, I just loved the game. I watched the game all the time, watched so many games, obviously watching my dad's games and watching games on tv that it just, it just felt right. Um, and so I got the opportunity. I started my coaching career earlier than I wanted to. I didn't get to finish, um, basketball at Emporia State cuz of injuries, so I just got into it sooner. Um, joy Collins offered me a student assistant and then a GA position for him. So I'm really appreciative of that and just got me into coaching a lot sooner than I wanted to. And it's just been, been going.
Speaker 1 00:04:09 So you played at Aporia State and coached at Emporia State, so that NCAA Division II experience, how do you think that, uh, has helped shape your, your coaching journey, your coaching philosophy?
Speaker 2 00:04:21 I think it's helped a lot. I think it makes you, uh, realize just be, to be appreciative of things. I think that NA is one of the best D two conferences in the country. Um, it's, it's very tough. You know, every single night you had to go in and compete at a high level. There were no days off. I think that was the big thing. And being at Emporia, the, the standard was so high. I think that's the big thing. You know, there were no cutting corners there. Every day was a challenge. Practice was always gonna be tough. Um, and then the games were always tough. So I think what made it so why we had so much success was because the practices were so hard and then going into the games they were a lot easier. So I think that's just something, you know, coming into today and coaching, like, making practice as hard as you can, um, so that once you get in the games, it's kind of easy.
Speaker 1 00:05:07 Right. So the I, central Missouri State's recently run a national title. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> and Emporia State would've won a national title with Brandon Snyder Yes. As the coach. And he is now the coach at the University of Kansas. So all these, all these connections become apparent. So the shockers are about a week, a little over a week into summer workouts. Uh, how do you go about starting it and getting all this, this new group, uh, comfortable with each other?
Speaker 2 00:05:30 Yeah, I think it's just gonna take some time, you know, just getting in the gym with 'em. Um, I think they're gonna realize, you know, we're, we're gonna be tough. We're gonna challenge them every day. There's no gonna be cutting corners. Um, and I think it's just, it's just refreshing for them. It's just a new, you know, just a new staff and we're excited. They seem pretty, you know, pretty excited. Um, but I think the big message is that we're just gonna compete every day, compete every day at a high level, um, challenge each other, come in, um, and just be great. That's all we can ask. If as long as you're working hard, that's all we can ask. Everything else will cover itself.
Speaker 1 00:06:05 So you have nine returners. Uh, who are you leaning on there to help with this transition?
Speaker 2 00:06:10 Yeah, you know, I know DJ had a lot of success last year. I think she's, you know, older. So that's kind of the, the leader of the group. And I'm gonna challenge her to kind of lead as far as with the guards. Um, and then, you know, we're bringing back some pieces. Um, you know, Danny's gonna be a big piece for us. Uh, she's, you know, been with us for about a week in the spring, um, really talented. And then, you know, you're bringing Lala who just brings a lot of energy, high motor. So we're super excited about that. Um, and then, you know, you got Anaya Janaya who they're, they're, I think they're really excited. They, you know, wanna learn. They're engaged every day. So I think everything's gonna fall into place. We just gotta get together and just all get on the same page.
Speaker 1 00:06:54 So team building is important in these situations. I understand you went bowling recently. Who's the best bowler on this? Shocker. Basketball team? <laugh>,
Speaker 2 00:07:02 Um, shoot, I think, I think Ellen and Treasure were up there. Um, and that's the funny thing about this group. They compete at everything. Everything's a competition. Um, they talk a lot of smack to each other, which is fine. Same thing they do on the court, but Ella and treasurer were up there.
Speaker 1 00:07:22 First picture or decoration you put up in your office, or is there one that you walk in and you say that's particularly significant or meaningful? Or maybe that's what I show to a recruit, uh, and their family when they come in.
Speaker 2 00:07:35 Yeah, so I guess I have two pieces. I have a, I haven't done a lot to my office yet, but I have, uh, my family a picture in there. You can kind of see it, um, just so that they walk in, just see my family. And then up top, I have a, I painted a picture. I just went to a painting class and I brought it cuz it's like pink. I like pink and purple and it just brings a lot of life into my office. So you can see it as soon as you walk in. Um, just, you know, showing. I do like art. I do like to draw. So it just shows my creativity. Um, and you can't really miss it since it's pink.
Speaker 1 00:08:04 Okay. So art class. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. Tell us more about that. Or the drawing. Is that what you do more of? What kind of drawing? Yeah,
Speaker 2 00:08:09 Just, uh, sketching, drawing. I, I don't really paint or do any, like, coloring of my drawings. I just draw. Um, but I did that at a painting class.
Speaker 1 00:08:18 Best memory from your playing days at Emporia State?
Speaker 3 00:08:22 Hm.
Speaker 2 00:08:31 That's a tough one.
Speaker 1 00:08:34 Beating Washburn. Would that, that's the big rivalry, right? <laugh>? Would that be one?
Speaker 2 00:08:38 Yeah. You know, beating Washburn's always good. I think we beat 'em my four years there, all my four years there for sure. So that's always a, that's always a big one to, especially going into Washburn and leaving with a w it was always big.
Speaker 1 00:08:54 Okay. Uh, who is the basketball player? Maybe it's somebody in the W N B A, somebody in the NBA that you like to share with your players and say, watch this person. You can, you can learn from this basketball star.
Speaker 2 00:09:08 Yeah, I, you know, one of my favorite players is Diana roi. Um, you know, I know she's kind of a veteran now, and the game's changed a little bit, but that's just my, my player. Um, I've just liked her since I was little. I remember watching her at Yukon in the Final Four. Um, but for her standpoint, you know, just being a competitor, just watching her, um,
Speaker 1 00:09:35 She's now with the Phoenix Mercury, correct? Yes, yes, yes. Okay. She's a that's a good one. You may have just answered this. When you're not coaching hobbies, how do you maybe get a little respite from the, from the grind of coaching and recruiting and video and all that?
Speaker 2 00:09:49 Yeah. And that little free time. I'll, I'll watch Netflix, you know, whatever's popular. Uh, and then, you know, just doing a lot of, just doing some drawing. It's relaxing. Um, nothing crazy when I can, or sometimes I like to do, you know, home DIY activities as far as just like something to hang up in my, uh, apartment. It's cheaper just to do it and to go buy something and just create it myself.
Speaker 1 00:10:13 Who wins a game of horse on the, uh, on the basketball coaching staff?
Speaker 2 00:10:17 Me for sure.
Speaker 1 00:10:18 That's exactly what Terry Noner said. <laugh>. So you're checking out? Yes,
Speaker 2 00:10:21 That's me for
Speaker 1 00:10:22 Sure. Okay, very good.
Speaker 4 00:10:36 Hi, this is Rick Mema, president of Wichita State University. Check out the latest episode of the Forward Together podcast. Each episode I sit down with different guests from Chara Nation to celebrate the vision and mission of Wichita State University. Listen wherever you get your podcast.
Speaker 1 00:11:04 So, Brooke, let's wrap up like, I like to with a lot of people. Do you have a book recommendation, movie recommendation? What would you tell the people to check out?
Speaker 2 00:11:13 Yeah, one of my favorite books is, uh, atomic Habits, uh, is just basically how to break your habits. I think once you break those habits, things can change in your life. Whatever you don't like what's going on, um, just look at your habits and your day to day. And I think once you change those habits, things start to change.
Speaker 1 00:11:30 Excellent. Brooke Costley, women's basketball Assistant coach at Wichita State. Brooke, thanks for your time.
Speaker 2 00:11:36 Thank you.
Speaker 1 00:11:47 Hello, welcome to the Roundhouse Podcast with Paul Sutro of Wichita State University Strategic Communications. We appreciate you listening. Today we're gonna talk about women's basketball with Nick Bradford. Nick is an assistant coach on the Wichita State Basketball team. He was hired in April to join Coach Terry N. Terry Ners staff. Nick previously was the associate head coach for the boys basketball team at Fayetteville High School in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He also coached girls basketball for the Missouri Phenom, A A U E Y B L program. He played at the University of Kansas with Terry Ner, also coached at Labbe Community College and Missouri Southern. Nick, let's start by telling us about your journey here to Wichita State. How did you end up here? Why joined Terry staff?
Speaker 5 00:12:31 Well, uh, Terry and I go back, uh, 96 class, um, graduated from high school and, and we, uh, arrived on campus at ku. We were the only freshman, uh, on that, on that team. And, and so we kind of built a bond from there and, uh, you know, just had a special relationship. Uh, was roommates our junior and senior year of college. And then after college, um, we stayed around a couple years in Lawrence and we were, uh, roommates then. So we, we lived together for about five years total and, uh, just kind of dreamed and talked about one day coaching together and, and, uh, didn't know where it would be, but, uh, it's just kind of funny. Years later, we, this is why I'm here at Wichita State.
Speaker 1 00:13:12 What was your first impression of Terry Noner?
Speaker 5 00:13:15 Um, you know, I was the only scholarship player, uh, freshman coming in in Kansas, and he was a walk on. And so he kind of was a preferred walk on, but had to do the tryouts and all that. And my first impression of him was he could really shoot that thing. And, uh, he came in really shooting the basketball well, and, and then when he got, uh, a part of our group, uh, man, just a great guy. I mean, uh, everybody loved Terry and, and, and, uh, wanted to follow Terry. It's kind of crazy. He's, he was a walk on. But, you know, just the way he carried himself. Everybody, uh, kind of followed and, and his lead, and he was kind of a, a leader of all of us.
Speaker 1 00:13:53 Take us back to young Nick Bradford. When did you decide coaching was the path for you after your playing days ended?
Speaker 5 00:14:00 Well, when I was in college, uh, coach Roy Williams, um, I told him that I wanted to be a, a agent when I was in college. I wanted to be an agent. And, um, you know, he was always the one who told me that, you know, you can be an agent, but he said, man, uh, you're basketball savvy. And IQ said, I think you'd be a great coach. And, uh, you know, he kind of put that in my head. Um, and, and obviously when I was in high school too, my older brother was my coach. Um, he was my coach in high school and actually passed away my junior year in high school, uh, after a game. And his influence on all, all my friends and all the people of Fayetteville High School was super, super big. And so when Coach Williams put that in my ear, uh, about me becoming a coach, you know, I kind of thought back on my brother and how he changed lives. And, and so it was, uh, so that was kind of the first, first step of it.
Speaker 1 00:14:54 I'm glad you mentioned that. We should tell people you are from Fayetteville, went to Fayetteville High School. How did you end up at the University of Kansas? How'd you get away from the Razorbacks?
Speaker 5 00:15:01 Yeah, it was tough. I mean, um, 94, 95, my sophomore and junior year of high school, uh, they were really good. They won the national championship in 94, uh, lost in the national championship game in 95, so they really had it going. Um, it was definitely tough, uh, to leave, but man, coach Williams and that program, his history there, and I just felt like I could win announced championship there. Um, and so it was kind of best of both worlds. It was close enough to home, you know, uh, so all my family and friends could see me before enough where I could kind of, uh, create my own identity
Speaker 1 00:15:35 Saying no to Nolan Richardson. That would be, uh, did you, did you call him? Did you tell him? How did that go?
Speaker 5 00:15:41 Absolutely. It was, it was tough. And, uh, his, his son was on staff Nolan Richardson ii and him and my brother, uh, who passed, had played junior college basketball together. So it was a great relationship there. And, um, and so it was, it was definitely tough, tough to tell him. Um, but, but I definitely, uh, appreciate all, all his, all his things that he did for me in recruiting me and, and the relationship that we had and, and the relationship that his son had with my brother was, was awesome.
Speaker 1 00:16:11 Great. Coach Nolan Richardson, Wichita State fans of, of a certain age, would rem remember him from, uh, from the University of Tulsa, Nick, uh, who's your, you've had a lot of great coaching mentors. What stands out about some of the things that you've learned and, and how they've influenced your coaching career?
Speaker 5 00:16:27 Well, I've been really blessed and lucky to have some really good coaches. I mean, my brother obviously was the one who, who taught me how to play the game and, and told me the ins and outs and how to play the game the right way and, and be a great teammate and all those things. And then moving on to college, obviously with Coach Williams and then some great assistant coaches there with Matt Doherty and Neil Doherty and Joe Hol and was fortunate enough to, to be part of that program. And, and then even I was lucky enough to play in professional, uh, overseas and played for some good coaches. Um, well, even before I, I got to overseas, I played in the ABA in Kansas City and Kevin Pritchard, uh, uh, ku, former KU player won now championship is now the, uh, basketball of operations at Indiana for the Indiana Pacers.
Speaker 5 00:17:12 And so his knowledge, you know, I took a lot from him, um, and mentioning Kevin, Danny Manning was, uh, a guy who was always around Lawrence during the summertime, and he's probably the most, the best basketball mind, uh, one of the top two basketball minds I've been around. And so he taught me a lot, just working me out in the summertimes and felt blessed for that. And then going overseas, I played in Iceland, uh, and played for their national team coach. Uh, when I was in France, I played for their national team coach. And then, uh, when I was in Finland, I played for their national team coach, and I learned a lot about the European game and, and learning things that are now kind of translating into the NBA college basketball, the European Games kind of come over here a little bit. And so I just feel lucky to have been learning from so many different people and so many different guys who know the game and different aspects of the game and different parts of the world, and just had a lot of good coaches. And, and that's why I feel like, you know, I'm just trying to give back and teach some of the kids some of the things that I've learned along the way.
Speaker 1 00:18:15 So Roy Williams maybe puts this in your brain a suggestion, coaching could be a future for me. Did you begin looking at the game and practices differently? Maybe taking notes, taking mental notes about why does, why does a coach do this in this situation? Did you start the process then?
Speaker 5 00:18:32 Yeah, I guess so. And then he also told me, uh, he used to tell me before he even told me that, Nick, you see the big picture, he said, defensively, you can see the big picture, you can read, uh, a couple steps ahead of the play. Uh, you said the same thing offensively. And, uh, then I started to kind of put those things together and, and if Coach Williams is telling me I can see the big picture, I started to try to tune in a little bit more and learn as much as I could. And really my last two years be a leader, uh, and be a leader on the floor for our team. Uh, I played with a lot of NBA guys, so I was never the most talented guy on the team. So I had to, you know, be smart and, and diligent and, and know the game better than, than some to, to be able to play and be, be effective.
Speaker 1 00:19:16 So you've coached at these different levels, high school, junior college, NCAA division two at Missouri Southern, having that kind of perspective, those kind of different experiences, how does that inform now what you're doing at the NCAA division? I level?
Speaker 5 00:19:31 Well, you know, we, we've, we've actually signed a couple junior college kids and, you know, I try to relate that I, I know, understand how that junior college system works. Um, and then on the division two level, we've, we've signed a, a player from the division two, and so I know how good the basketball is, first of all. Uh, you know, everybody talks about division one, but don't really understand sometimes that you go or the division two nature. And I can, when I'm recruiting kids, I kind of let 'em know I've been there and, and seeing different things. And it doesn't really matter where you come from, it's just how you work and, and, and try to get to where you want to get to. And I try to relate that into the recruiting and to kids, to, to give 'em a, a balance of knowing what's going on on the, on the floor and what kind of level, uh, they can play at.
Speaker 1 00:20:13 So the chakras are early in their summer workouts, a little over a week of, uh, of, of practices, that kind of thing. Uh, take us through that a little bit. What's, what's the message, what's the priority here? Early in the summer,
Speaker 5 00:20:25 Really just trying to set the tone, really being, being tougher mentally, physically, and in shape. Um, you know, we want to be a team who plays fast and is disciplined and play the right way. So we're just trying to hone some of those things in, um, this summer we're, we're taking a little, uh, you know, coach Noner and I've, uh, talked about taking some things, things from Coach Williams, uh, structure-wise. And so structure-wise this summer, we've kind of let 'em, every day we're gonna have an opposite emphasis of the day, a defensive emphasis of the day and a thought for the day, and try to just take it day by day and make sure we focus on little details and then let them know that the small details, small details become big. And so just really trying to hone in on that at the same time, skill work and, and seeing what, what kids can do, what they can't do, and, and then just try to keep their strengths up and then make their weaknesses stronger.
Speaker 1 00:21:19 Who's responsible for the thought of the day?
Speaker 5 00:21:22 Uh, that is, that is Coach Noner, but, you know, we all suggest, and I'm, you know, coach Costley and Coach Scales can suggest as well. I just kind of have that idea of some of the things that, thoughts of the day that Coach Williams used to have for me, for us. And, and so we still use some of the things that he did. So it's, it's easy to go back and, and think of some of those thoughts for the day and, and all the, all the ones we had, every practices and just to lock in, make sure kids are locked in for that day. So it's, it's kind of second hand for me, just with that structure. We can, coach Williams is, you play for him for four years, but that stuff sticks with you forever.
Speaker 1 00:21:57 Seems like a very Dean Smith thing to do. I would not surprise me if Roy Williams has taken that from his days as a player. No,
Speaker 5 00:22:04 There's not a coach, not a question at all. It is Dean Smith. And, and Coach Williams didn't keep it a secret. He told us this is what Dean Smith did, this is what we're gonna do. Um, and at that time when we were playing, coach Smith was still coaching, and so he, he definitely didn't, didn't shy away from letting us know that this stuff was, was, was coming from Dean Smith.
Speaker 1 00:22:23 So you have nine returners back from last season. Who's stepping up, uh, leadership wise and, and helping during this time of transition?
Speaker 5 00:22:31 I think, uh, DJ's done a great job. Uh, Lala's been great. Uh, Lala just brings that, that effort. She doesn't say a lot, but the way she plays hard and competes, and that's kind of how we want to establish our program, uh, about being competitors and working hard. And wildlife brings out every day.
Speaker 1 00:22:49 So I understand the chakras had a little team building activity, went bowling, give us a scatter report on the bowlers on this team.
Speaker 5 00:22:57 Um, for the, for the ladies, uh, treasure, treasure seemed like she was the best of, of the girls. Uh, you know, she was talking a little trash and, uh, to the girls, and then she tried to talk a little trash to me, so I had to step my game up. And, uh, Jayla Murray, who we had on the visit, who actually signed with us this week, um, her parents, her dad, you know, was really competitive and, and he, he started going at it a little bit, and so the juices got flowing and we had a good time. Bowler.
Speaker 1 00:23:25 How about from the coaching staff? Who was the best bowler?
Speaker 5 00:23:27 Well, I was the best bowler. Um, I was the best bowler, but, you know, and Terry will tell you, we compete at everything. I mean, when we were in college, we compete to see who got to our front door first or who did this first. And so when it got to bowling, and especially in front of the girls, we, we talk about being competitive on the floor, but it kinda showed them a little bit, Hey, even when it comes to this bowling, we're gonna go out there and compete and try to win.
Speaker 1 00:23:51 I understand Terry had taken bowling lessons
Speaker 5 00:23:54 In previous Yeah, Terry was, you know, he had a little spin to his game. Um, I don't quite have the spin. I'm straightforward with power, but, uh, yeah, he, he, he, he's pretty good and I'm sure he's gonna be looking for me again,
Speaker 1 00:24:06 If the coaching staff were to play a game of horse, who would win that? Oh, Tim. No Dunking. I'm, I was told when I asked this earlier, I said, well, there can't be any dunking because you would be the only person that could dunk. Yeah,
Speaker 5 00:24:17 And I'm the only, and I'm not sure how many times I could do that. Uh, when I get up there now, the knees and back, uh, don't feel, feel great, but definitely Terry will probably win. You know, he's obviously the better shooter, but at the same time, I'm not sure, you know, if we got out there and started competing, I'm definitely gonna try to win.
Speaker 1 00:24:34 Is there a decoration, a picture, uh, trophy, maybe in your office that you attach particular significance to? Maybe it's really meaningful. Maybe it's something that you make sure to point out to a recruit and a recruit's family when they visit?
Speaker 5 00:24:50 Well, I haven't gotten everything up mother yet. My wife just got in town this week and, uh, she's going to, she came by and took a look at it, so she can decorate a little bit. But my junior, my 2019 junior NBA championship trophy will be in there that is, uh, super, super big. Um, won that with a great group of girls, uh, global championship, um, at Junior NBAs in Florida 2019 right before Covid hit. Um, and that was, that was a really, really special event. And, uh, um, the commissioner, uh, NBA commissioner handed me the award, uh, Adam Silver, so that was a pretty big moment.
Speaker 1 00:25:29 Played at University of Kansas, as we mentioned. Uh, favorite memory from your time playing for the Jayhawks
Speaker 5 00:25:34 Man? Such a lot of great ones. Um, on the court, um, probably winning three B 12 championships was awesome. Holding those trophies up, uh, to our crowd and saluting our crowd was awesome. Uh, you know, senior night was, was great for, for Terry and I, we beat Missouri and I had a really great grand game to finish off my career there. Um, but, you know, still keep in contact with most of my teammates and that's where, you know, most of, most of my memories are just off the court, hanging out, being great, great friends and, and, and those connections and, and those lifelong friendships.
Speaker 1 00:26:12 Did Terry pass you the ball enough when you played together at the University
Speaker 5 00:26:15 Of Kansas? Oh, yeah. Oh yeah. Oh yeah, man, we were, we did a lot of, lot of, a lot of things together and, and, uh, on the court. We were always looking for each other, always kept each other. Like I I said again, we first got to Kansas, they were coming off in the lead eight, everybody was back, and, uh, we were the two kids joining in, and so we just built that bond. And so we definitely was looking for each other and everything we did.
Speaker 1 00:26:37 So Nick played for the University of Kansas from 96 to 2000. Nick, when you're not coaching, uh, do you have hobbies? What do you do to maybe get away from the, from the grind of recruiting and video and those kind of things?
Speaker 5 00:26:50 Well, I mean, really just taking, really just kind of spending time with my family. Uh, you know, being on the move a lot for basketball, that's kind of sacrifices sometimes. And just relaxing and being with them and being with my parent, uh, my family there. And it's just time to kind of depress. Uh, I'm kind of a sports junkie, so I mean, I'm always watching sports, so it never leaves, but, uh, it's always good just to have some downtime, relax with the fan.
Speaker 1 00:27:18 Besides basketball, what's your favorite sport to watch? Oh, football.
Speaker 5 00:27:21 Football. Yeah, football for sure. I mean, I'll, I'll watch baseball. I really don't watch baseball a ton until the playoffs start. Um, and, and I've gotten into hockey a little bit lately, watching a little bit of that. But yeah, football, I'm, I from Friday night lights high school to Saturday College football to Sunday and Monday. It's, yeah, I, I just love watching them.
Speaker 1 00:27:43 What's your favorite NFL team? That's a big question around here. You're kinda in the middle of a lot.
Speaker 5 00:27:47 Question. Growing up, Dallas Cowboys were my fa were my favorite team. Um, I've transitioned into the last 10 years or so, uh, just being around, you know, when I was in college, I was numerous, a Kansas City Chiefs fan, so anything he liked, I didn't, you know, we always wanted to compete. Um, but then I just, you know, fell in love with the Chiefs and it's really the only, the only NFL stadium I've ever been to. All the gangs I've been to, probably 10 or 15 games, they've all been the arrowhead. Um, my family growing up was a Raider Raiders fan, and so my mom and dad would take us up here to Kansas City and watch games. And so even as a kid, I was in Arrowhead and, and so now I'm a Chiefs fan and, and, um, uh, so I think, I think I'm okay around here being a Chiefs fan.
Speaker 1 00:28:33 That's a good, yes. Nothing good comes from being a Cowboys or a Raiders fan, so I'm glad you've made that move to, uh, to being a Chiefs fan. I like to usually wrap up by asking people for a movie recommendation TV show. Maybe there's a book that you'd like to recommend. What jumps out at you? What should the people check out?
Speaker 5 00:28:51 Oh, that's a good one. Uh, you know, I'm a big crime, crime mystery guy, so I watch a lot of, you know, law and orders or, um, datelines in the 2020s. Um, so I'm a big, big, big, uh, big mystery and, and police and solving crime stuff, uh, movies. I haven't, I haven't, I don't go to a ton, but I know that the next movie I wanna see is the movie Air, uh, about Michael Jordan and, and, and the Nike part of that business side. I've heard it was great. Um, so definitely wanna see that.
Speaker 1 00:29:25 Okay. Nick Bradford, assistant coach for the Wichita State Women's Basketball team. Nick, thank you for your time. Thank
Speaker 5 00:29:32 You. I appreciate you.
Speaker 7 00:29:45 Thank you for listening to the Roundhouse podcast, courtesy of Wichita State University strategic communications. We encourage you to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can find more roundhouse
[email protected].
Speaker 6 00:30:00 It's over. It's over. Ladies and gentlemen. Say it slowly and savor it. Wichita State is going to the Final four for the first time in 48 years.
Speaker 8 00:30:15 Unbelievable. What a scene folks of shocker fans are just going crazy in the stands.
Speaker 6 00:30:21 Just maybe the greatest win in the history of Wichita State Basketball.
