Q&A: assistant coach of Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team

Jeremy Case graduated as a fifth-year senior from the University of Kansas in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in communication studies. He served as a graduate assistant from 2008-09 while working toward a master's degree. During college, Case was a guard for Kansas' men's basketball team under coach Bill Self. Kansas won four Big 12 Conference championships while Case was on the team. He made three Elite Eight appearances in the NCAA Tournament. He was also a part of Kansas' 2008 NCAA Championship team that defeated Memphis 75-68 in overtime. Case is now an assistant coach in Southeast Missouri State University men's basketball program.

What was it like coming from a top blue-blood school to Southeast?

Case: It was a big difference, and it was something I had to get used to as far as the environment and atmosphere. Kansas has a huge tradition, but the fan base and Southeast community have made it easier and helped me adjust to everything.

Q: What did you learn from playing at Kansas that has helped you at Southeast?

A: Well, there wasn't just one thing. There was a whole lot. I've seen what it takes to win at Kansas, and to put that around our players during practice and when we go on recruiting trips, it makes a difference.

Q; What are the differences between Bill Self and Dickey Nutt's coaching styles?

A: Bill Self is more of a perfectionist. He wants it done the right way. He knows exactly what he wants out of our players so he expects to see that. Coach Nutt is more about being smart and doing your own thing and making good plays consciously.

Q: In an article on KUSports.com you were quoted as saying, "To go from one end of the spectrum to the other was really an eye opener." What did you mean?

A: As a player attending the University of Kansas, I was oblivious of everything going on around me. At KU, I was used to winning games and our program was used to winning games. When I came over to Southeast, you know, we've struggled at times but we'll get better and better. All we need to do is be focused and in tune. Talent won't always win a basketball game.

Q: Is coaching something you have always wanted to do?

A: Well I wanted to play professional basketball, but I didn't play as much as I wanted at Kansas. But through my years of playing at KU, I learned a lot about the game, about my coach. And after being introduced to something like that I figured that this would be my best opportunity to do something like coaching.

Q: Do you still keep in touch with former KU players and Bill Self?

A: Oh yeah, I talk to coach Self and the other coaches once or twice a month. We check in and make sure things are going well. But I definitely keep in touch with my teammates like Mario Chalmers, Russell Robinson and Darnell Jackson.

Q: What went through your head during the last five minutes of the national championship game versus Memphis?

A: There were a lot of feelings. At times during the game it was nerve wracking and things would be going great and then vice versa. For the most part, I would say that it was a huge rollercoaster of feelings through the game.

Q: Do you wear your ring on recruiting trips?

A: Yes, sometimes I do, if they're new recruits. I'll let them see it, and they'll usually ask me questions about it and my experiences. I think it's good to have it because that's what every player wants in sports. It's a good conversation piece.

Q: How did you settle into your role at KU?

A: It was hard at the beginning of my freshman and sophomore year of college. I felt I should have been getting 25-30 minutes of playing time on the court, but I had to understand that there were guys ahead of me. They were pros and that wasn't their fault. They're future NBA players. So by the time of my junior and senior year, I matured and I understood my role. When we had practice I would make sure that our players were ready for the game.