Mizzou's new head basketball coach Cuonzo Martin stopped by the 41 Action News studio for a one-on-one interview with Frank Boal.
Martin talked about key recruiting assets nearby, namely Kansas City and St. Louis high schools, and building on the team former head coach Kim Anderson left.
Watch the video above for Martin's full interview with Frank Boal.
Frank Boal: A lot of people asking, Missouri hasn't been to the NCAA tournament since 2013, have had three straight 20 loss seasons. You really go a big chore ahead of you, don't you?
Cuonzo Martin: I'm excited about the challenge. I think for us, I tell our guys and our fans, we aren't that far off. Obviously, we have some work to be done. We have to improve in some areas and I think we'll get it done but we're not that far off.
Cuonzo Martin when he was head coach of the California Golden Bears.
FB: Since taking the job, what have you heard from other college coaches in the country that you know about the job at the University of Missouri.
CM: Well, it's a good job and to credit coach Kim Anderson. He did a great job maintaining a level of comradery. You know, with young guys, you lose some tough losses like that, you have some consecutive losses, that can play on you physically, mentally. But I thought the guys did a great job of staying intact, staying together and the comradery and the chemistry amongst the guys is great.
FB: Do you think it's probably pretty important around these parts: St. Louis, Kansas City for basketball players? How much of a pool do you have in those two cities?
CM: Well, it's very important. When you name those two cities, they aren't just good in the state of Missouri. Those two cities have a brand across the country. It's our job to identify the student-athletes who could help us win basketball games but also help us in the community. Because it's more than just a basketball game. ... We have to reach out to that community. So when you get guys from those two cities and they represent this state, then I think it helps you out across the board.
FB: And have you gotten good feedback from, not only the high school basketball coaches in both those cities but also, the AAU [Amateur Athletic Union] coaches in those cities?
CM: Yes. It's just about relationships. For me, it's about strengthening those relationships, the ones that I already have. It's never really been about getting a player and we have a relationship based on that. It's just about having a great friendship and a passion for what we try to do. Our job, what we can't do: we can't take for granted that I know AAU coaches, I know high school coaches and all of a sudden they just give you players. We have to work just live everybody else.
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