Q&A with new Seattle U. basketball coach Cameron Dollar

Cameron Dollar, Seattle University's first-year men's basketball coach, answered questions from readers in an exclusive live chat Wednesday. For the complete chat and all seven of The Seattle Times online chats with local Sports newsmakers, go to seattletimes.com/sports.

Q: Do you ever play basketball video games? My favorite of all time is Coach K College Basketball for Sega Genesis. UCLA was an unbeatable team in that game!

Dollar: I play video games all the time. Constantly looking for some more competitors. I am unstoppable in Coach K. Thank you, Sega.

Q: How has it been reversing roles with your father, and being the one in charge?

Dollar: Come to practice and you'll see there is no role reversal. To all those sons out there: you will always be the son.

Q: What are your main selling points to recruit high-school players to come to SU?

Dollar: Obviously Seattle University has a tremendous academic reputation. One of my main jobs is to bring more exposure to that. Playing at KeyArena, having the ability to play against national-caliber teams are also key points. Lastly, the ability to create history is something most kids are interested in being able to do.

Q: Can you divulge any big opponents over the next few years, either at home or on the road? UNC, UCLA, Kansas?

Dollar: Next year we will start a series with Virginia of the ACC. We also will be in the Coaches vs. Cancer tournament, beginning the season at Maryland. At home next season we will also have Washington and Oregon State.

Q: Any updates where SU might land conference-wise?

Dollar: We are excited to be independent. It gives us tremendous flexibility in scheduling and offers unique opportunities for exposure. Our job is to become as attractive as possible for any potential conference, thus allowing us to choose which is best.

Q: Growing up, which NBA player did you idolize?

Dollar: Growing up, Isiah Thomas, the one from Chicago and not Tacoma. Sorry, Zeke, you still are my favorite Isaiah in Washington.

Q: Who are some players on this year's squad that could catch us by surprise?

Dollar: Two players in particular who have been very impressive in the early part of this year are Aaron Broussard and Gavin Gilmore. They work really hard and will be cornerstones of our program the next few years.

Q: How do you motivate your players to excel on and off the court?

Dollar: One in particular is a neat trick of putting four trash cans at the corners of the court. Then I let them pick which one they would like to go and throw up in. This is my version of the Four Corners. Used only for the missing of class or no effort. Works every time.

Q: Do you see yourself potentially staying around

Dollar: I was fortunate to be able to get a job where I didn't have to move, which is pretty rare in the coaching profession. Here are the facts — my in-laws live here and I have three kids. I love my wife. I'm not going anywhere. (Right honey?)

Q: Would SU consider a series against Gonzaga?

Dollar: I have had talks with Gonzaga ever since I got the job about starting a series with them. In the future, we will definitely play.

Q: How do you think the loss of the Sonics has affected the college basketball climate in the northwest?

Dollar: The Sonics' departure created a void that we are fortunate enough to potentially fill. There are a lot of hungry basketball fans in this area that now have a new team to root for. And we are glad to have them.