Dave Paulsen's Staff

[Pablo]

https://watchstadium.com/top-mens-basketball-assistants-atlantic-10-07-07-2020/:

"Duane Simpkins, George Mason* | The former DeMatha and Maryland standout played professionally overseas and also in the USBL and ABA. Simpkins was the coordinator of basketball operations for one season at Towson, then spent three years at UNCG before arriving at George Mason in 2015.

'Duane will absolutely be a head coach soon. He has helped us make huge inroads in DMV recruiting, and is a great player development [mastermind] and strategist. A star!' – George Mason coach Dave Paulsen

“He is diligent, hard-working and detail-oriented.” – A-10 assistant"

 

[Pikapppatri8]

My brother Daryl and my other brother Daryl.

You old enough to remember that show?

 

[Patriotsince81]

You old enough to remember that show?

Yup. Hilarious!

 

[By George.]

Recording a pod with Mojo, let us know if you have any questions. Show will be out this weekend.

 

[sleeperpick]

Recording a pod with Mojo, let us know if you have any questions. Show will be out this weekend.

Is opening up a Canadian pipeline one of his short term goals while at Mason?

 

[JPgmuswim]

I’d like to know what he views as his biggest strength as a coach, what’s he bring to the coaching staff.

 

[mkaufman1]

Lessons learned from being a head coach in a hard situation.

 

[By George.]

Is opening up a Canadian pipeline one of his short term goals while at Mason?

Bryson’s also from Canada which helped land Dady, but I’ll def ask about this pipeline.

 

[tblack33]

I’d like to know what he views as his biggest strength as a coach, what’s he bring to the coaching staff.

To build on this, what did he think he did that worked well at GW that he could immediately translate to Mason? Lessons learned that didn't work at GW that he would advise against at Mason? He is our only assistant with head coaching experience at the college level.

A lot of our targets this year seem to be in the 6'5-6'7 range, how do they envision all of these guys fitting in a congested couple of positions over the next few years?

How has the staff been revamping our offense without having access to the players in person? (this is kind of a tough question, what I'm getting at is two part, are we going to run the same offense next season, if not how has it been trying to teach new sets virtually?)

I'm super interested in any insight into how it has been recruiting in the COVID environment. Does he think that the lack of an AAU season will be good for mid-major schools like Mason? Or will it be more difficult to keep talent from P5 offers?

How does he evaluate our current roster talent wise? His views on next years team's strengths/weaknesses.

What are his views on the inbounds play? Does he know any? Can he please teach us some?

What risk mitigation steps is the program and AD making to prepare for student athletes to return to campus? What will look different in terms of practice/weight room time leading up to the season? Will players still have 24/7 access to the practice facility?

After we beat vcu this year, will he come chug a beer with me at Brions? What's his favorite burger at Brions and why is it the Sams Big Dipper?

I'm sure I'll think of more.

 

[FreeGunston12]

Recording a pod with Mojo, let us know if you have any questions. Show will be out this weekend.

When did he realize he wanted to be a part of Mason nation? And why was it after losing to the final four team in the opening round of the 2006 tournament?

 

[By George.]

Coach MoJo is a cool guy, that much we can confirm.

 

[mkaufman1]

Coach MoJo is a cool guy, that much we can confirm.

I always heard good things about him from an interaction perspective. The concerns I always heard were his in game coaching and adjustment abilities.

 

[sleeperpick]

I always heard good things about him from an interaction perspective. The concerns I always heard were his in game coaching and adjustment abilities.

oh so Paulsen Jr that can actually recruit? You guys are going to love him then

 

[mkaufman1]

oh so Paulsen Jr that can actually recruit? You guys are going to love him then

LOL quiet you

 

[By George.]

For our night owls, MoJo interview will drop in 30 minutes.

 

[By George.]

For our night owls, MoJo interview will drop in 30 minutes.

MoJo So Dope - https://giantkiller.co/ByGeorge/2020/07/18/mojo-so-dope/

 

[tblack33]

MoJo So Dope - https://giantkiller.co/ByGeorge/2020/07/18/mojo-so-dope/

Just finished it, as always full thoughts coming later after a second listen but thought this was a great first interview for a new member of the staff. Always good to build repertoire with the staff so we can get more access as time goes on.

My one immediate takeaway, I love that the main thing he talked about bringing to the staff was energy. I really think that as a whole, in game, our coaching staff lacks energy. Paulsen gets loud and active, but not at the right times. I love Simpkins, but he’s cool calm collected at all times (and there’s nothing wrong with that, you absolutely need guys like that). Anyone who’s played at any level knows what that having a coach give you a little head butt, or that big high five coming into a big timeout can help keep that adrenaline going. I think it’s something we need, so I love that he talked about the energy he’s going to bring and how he self described as a bit of a meathead.

Will post more later, but thanks for doing this.

 

[FreeGunston12]

MoJo So Dope - https://giantkiller.co/ByGeorge/2020/07/18/mojo-so-dope/

Great interview. You guys hit on everything I could think of. I wish Mojo touched a little more on being a former transfer himself and how that experience might help in the current basketball climate. Albeit, he did talk about having success with transfers at GW.

I know you gotta be careful talking about specific recruits (Exacte Jr), but I thought you guys did a good job of just name dropping and then moving the conversation onward. Not sure if coaches prefer you not mention names at all though.

 

[mkaufman1]

Great interview! Really enjoyed it.

hoping that Mojo brings the advantage of knowing the a10 and all the other things to help the program. I think this might be a really good fit and potentially helps with the step forward we’ve all wanted.

also I think he’s going to be great dealing with donors, alumni, fans etc. if there’s something that’s been constant from day1 it’s the ability for this staff to connect willingly with that stuff.

 

[By George.]

Great interview. You guys hit on everything I could think of. I wish Mojo touched a little more on being a former transfer himself and how that experience might help in the current basketball climate. Albeit, he did talk about having success with transfers at GW.

I know you gotta be careful talking about specific recruits (Exacte Jr), but I thought you guys did a good job of just name dropping and then moving the conversation onward. Not sure if coaches prefer you not mention names at all though.

Yeah, sometimes it’s hard to gauge when the interview is going too long. We can talk recruiting all day. Thought he was open and fun and gave some good nuggets about recruiting through COVID.

Great interview! Really enjoyed it.
hoping that Mojo brings the advantage of knowing the a10 and all the other things to help the program. I think this might be a really good fit and potentially helps with the step forward we’ve all wanted.

also I think he’s going to be great dealing with donors, alumni, fans etc. if there’s something that’s been constant from day1 it’s the ability for this staff to connect willingly with that stuff.

Matt’s listening to podcasts!? Love it, man.