Northwestern University Athletics
Live Chat Recap with Evan Eschmeyer
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
November 12, 1998
Northwestern center Evan Eschmeyer joined FANSonly for a live chat to kick off the 1998 Midnight Madness festivities. If you missed out, the transcript from the chat is below. After reading the transcript, you should also check out the team outlooks, '97-'98 season highlight videos, and other special features that are available.
Q: Are there any special plans for Northwestern this evening with Midnight Madness?
Evan Eschmeyer: We're not having Midnight Madness here at NU. We're just going to rest up for our big day tomorrow.
Q: What is the outlook for the 98-99 season?
Evan Eschmeyer: I think the #1 goal is to just improve on a daily basis. If everyone works hard and is able to reach their potential we'll be able to succeed as a team. And we'll just see how far that takes us. I do think that post-season play is a very realistic goal for us.
Q: Who do you consider the favorite in the Big 10?
Evan Eschmeyer: MSU seems to be the favorite going in. They have almost all the talent returning from last year's championship team. But there are so many other teams in the Big Ten with great talent and coaching that it's hard to predict.
Q: What kind of goals have you set for yourself this season?
Evan Eschmeyer: The only goal I have for myself is to get better every day. If I do that everything else will take care of itself.
Q: Who's been the toughest player in college to guard?
Evan Eschmeyer: Brad Miller is probably the toughest player. He's versatile, he can shoot outside, and he can play well in the post.
Q: How close were you to deciding to enter the NBA draft this past summer?
Evan Eschmeyer: There were times during the season last year when I thought I would leave for sure and there were times when I thought I would stay for sure. But I'm very happy with the decision I've made at this point.
Q: Have you had a lot of NBA scouts checking you out?
Evan Eschmeyer: Definitely, I've played in front of every NBA team several teams and they know who I am, so it's not really a concern of mine.
Q: What NU freshman will make the most immediate impact and who is the most underrated NU freshman?
Evan Eschmeyer: They're all going to make an impact. Newman will step in and play some minutes for us. Lapore is very underrated. I haven't seen him on any preseason teams but there's no doubt that he's going to have an impact for us.
Q: You've been such a leader since your first year at NU. After your 15-year NBA career, do you see yourself coaching in college? You seem like a natural.
Evan Eschmeyer: Thank you first of all. I can't predict what's going to happen in 15 yrs. I will always be around the game though. Perhaps coaching at the high school level might work for me because I think it better fits my lifestyle.
Q: Evan, what's it like playing for Coach O'Neill?
Evan Eschmeyer: It's interesting every day. You never know what's going to happen or when. But I've definitely had the most fun and seen the most improvement playing for him.
Q: How's your jumper compared to last year. I know it was a concern of O'Neill's last year.
Evan Eschmeyer: Night and day.
Q: What has been the highlight of your career?
Evan Eschmeyer: Playing with the teammates I have right now. I think we have the ability to do alot of things this year that no one else thinks we can.
Q: What's the toughest place for you to play in the Big 10?
Evan Eschmeyer: At Indiana, I like to play there, but for us as team it can be an intimidating environment, especially for freshmen.
Q: Will you and your teammates consider this season a failure if you don't make the postseason?
Evan Eschmeyer: Yes, but that's not our immediate goal. Our immediate goal is to win the Big Ten and everything else will take care of itself.
Q: Is Mateen Cleaves the best player in the Big 10?
Evan Eschmeyer: Mateen is a good player.
Q: How have you improved the most since last year?
Evan Eschmeyer: My jump shot is much better and I've put on 20 lbs.
