In 2005-06 The George Mason Patriots, under current UM Head Coach Jim Larranaga, made perhaps the most memorable Cinderella run in NCAA tournament history. Behind the leadership of big man Jai Lewis and guard Tony Skinn, they defeated Michigan State (who had made the final four the year before), North Carolina, Wichita State, and #1 seed Conneticut. We got a chance to catch up with the stars of that team, Lewis and Skinn, and asked them the following:
C6: What qualities did the 2006 George Mason Final Four team have that a team needs to make a magical run? What is your favorite memory of that season?
Jai: The GMU final four team had a great family-like bond. We were a veteran team that had been together for a couple of years without losing a player. We also had trust in each other and didn’t worry about who scored the ball.
Tony: We all really believed we could beat anyone as the season progressed. When we finally got into the tournament we knew it was not going to be an easy for our opponents. My favorite memory was beating Conneticut in the elite 8 in DC, my hometown. I had so many friends and family there watching the game.
C6: For UM players and fans who are just getting to know Coach Larranaga, what should we expect personality-wise and basketball wise?
Jai: One thing you will get from Coach L on and off the court is that he will act and treat everyone in a first class manner.
Tony: Personality wise expect a firecracker. He will always light up the room no matter who is there. He is a great leader, mentor, and coach. Basketball wise, its no secret the guy knows his stuff. He has a great feel for picking guys who not only know how to play but how to win.
C6: What advice would you give to UM’s current players to prepare for Coach L’s system? What are the physical demands?
Jai: The only advice I would give UM players would be to always to have an open mind with some of his preparation strategies. Coach L has many different ways to have you fully prepared for the season mentally and physically.
Tony: I am not sure about any other programs because I only played for one, but Coach L works you hard to get better both mentally and physically. My first month as a player no one thought I could make it, but I ended up being successful because I bought into what he was trying to preach: being dedicated and having the will to win.
C6: Do you still keep in touch with Coach L? Are you surprised Coach L left George Mason for Miami?
Jai: Yes I still have communications with Coach L through email. I was surprised that he left Mason. He had a great support system at Mason. He has left a legacy at Mason that will tough for the next coach to fill.
Tony: To be honest playing overseas the last couple years I am a little bit out of the loop.
C6: What about Coach L led you to commit to George Mason?
Jai: I think Coach L honesty is what brought me to Mason. He was always upfront with me from the start and showed confidence in me that I would be a star at Mason.
Tony: I had 3 years of eligibility, it was close to home, and he clearly wanted me to be part of thier program.
C6: Please tell us a little bit about what is going on in your current career(s)? What is it like to play in another country?
Jai: I finished this past season off in Korea for the LG Sakers. I went to Korea just for the playoffs to help the team advance to the next round. I played a full season in japan for RERA Kamuy basketball club where I received player of the year honors. Its a great experience playing in different countries, because you get to see and do different things that are apart of a different cultures.
Tony: My career so far has been great. I’ve played in France for 3 years, Italy for 1, and just finished my 5th season in Germany. All of these leagues are 1st division so it has helped me become a much better player. Europe is a beautiful continent and I am just grateful I have the oppurtunity to travel the world and see different aspects of it.
C6: How would you compare fans in the United States to fans overseas?
Jai: The fans are great overseas. They have a lot of enthusiasm and spirit for the game.
Tony: Fans here and fans overseas are completely different. When I was in Italy it was tough because if the team didn’t play well your own fans would let you know about it. They are just so passionate about thier sports. It’s not like here where fans just watch and show controlled emotion. Overseas the hand gestures and everything come out when a ref makes a terrible call.
We an not thank Jai & Tony enough for taking the time to let us catch up with them. Hopefully the magic Coach Larranaga brought to George Mason will follow him to Miami. If it does UM might have a magical run similiar to what these two stars enjoyed in 2006.
Jerry
Assist to Qinkilla
jerryst5 