Question from Justin
Now that the season has passed and you're focused on next year. Like any coach you drop the lines "we haven't reached our potential" "we can be the next Gonzaga, George Mason, etc..." all the stuff the fans want to hear.

What I'm wondering is, are you going to pull a Doherty and talk about all that can be accomplished here and then bail? Or are you going to do it? You seem like an honest man and while this is a business it's more than that to many people, I believe you're one of them.

We took a chance on you and we were right, you're a great coach. But what happens when the next Conference USA school needs a coach? Are you going to remember who gave you a shot?

I'm sure you'll be offered bigger and better jobs over the next year or so but, how many coaches can be looked at as the birth of a program?

If you want some answers go ask some Louisville fans about “Schnelly”. Coaches come and go but the ones that start the program will always be remembered. I don't know who the 15th president of the US was but I do remember the first.

Response from Head Coach Rex Walters
Justin,
I really appreciate your passion for FAU basketball. I am totally committed to getting this program to the highest level. One man can not do it alone. I will demand that my coaching staff and players out work the competition everyday that we put FAU across our chests. We truly need everyone's support to make this thing happen at FAU. A team and a basketball program is a very fragile one. I promise that everyday when I wake up my mind is on doing everything I can to get us there. I am not looking nor will I look to go somewhere else.

Don't be so hard on Matt Doherty. He put so much time and effort into this basketball program. There is no question that he left it better than the way he found it. We were lucky to have him for a year and the program was jump started by the work that he did. Money was far from the only factor that got Coach Doherty to leave for SMU. He is a good man and should be respected for what he did here.

Sincerely,

Rex Walters

Question from Jordan
Hey Coach,
I heard in the newspaper that you interviewed for the job at Mercer. Is that really true?

Response from Head Coach Rex Walters
Jordan,
It was true...and I'm not going anywhere. Thanks for the email and interest in FAU basketball.

Sincerely,

Rex Walters

Question from Rex Fan
Hey Coach,
I'm sure I'm not the first to say this but I did want to send you a quick message and thank you for not leaving FAU for Mercer.

You're a great coach with a lot of experience and we're fortunate to have you. I know you are still ironing out your coach/player relations but I do believe you can work past your early tempers and really motivate these guys because they respect you and what you did in the NBA.

Psychological research has continually demonstrated that positive reinforcement and hype works wonders. When these guys don't work hard enough, you can remind them that the Sun Belt title, the national title and a shot at the NBA all belong to us if we are willing to work past the problems. They owe it to themselves to be the best; you already proved it for yourself...this is not about you as much as them... right now it's up to THEM to win it for themselves. And once they win it, they can call themselves the best, the champions, all year long. That's why you take the court... to be the best.

I really believe that FAU is on an upswing. I think Monroe, Graham, Nwoji and Royster are all amazing when they have the confidence to destroy the other team (as they did against FIU in the very end of last season)

And with the talent you have coming in -- from Sutton to Pena to Riley -- FAU is truly going to be a formidable team next year with a legitimate shot at not only the SBC title but also to make a big splash in the post-season.

I know it's a lot of pressure and not everything is perfect here at FAU...but it's clear to see that if WKU can do it, we can do it.

Thanks for being part of (and contributing to) the rise of Owl Country.

GO OWLS!

Response from Head Coach Rex Walters
Rex Fan,
Thank you for the kind words and encouragement. I am happy that this is over and we can focus on getting better this Spring. The team that we have coming back along with the players that we have coming in, are the guys that I want to coach. A lot of work needs to be done, but I am obviously excited about the possibilities. Let's get to work!

Sincerely,

Coach Walters

Question from Justin
Justin,
Mercer? Care to explain.....

Response from Head Coach Rex Walters
If you want me to go thru it all again I will, but I figure you read enough about it in the news. Thanks for your passion.

Go Owls,
Rex Walters