Alongside head coach John Tharp, assistant coach Brian “Pistol Pete” McCauley has been a part of the men’s basketball program at Hillsdale College for the last six seasons. McCauley is responsible for recruiting some of the best players in the program’s history. McCauley gives a look into this year’s season and his role with the team.
Where did the nickname come from?
From Coach Tharp. I started working for him 12 years ago and I came in the office one day and he said, “Pistol’s here.”
You’ve coached with Tharp for a long time. Any other nicknames he’s called you?
He’s called me every name of every guy he’s ever coached with. I don’t know if he even remembers my name sometimes. He goes through the whole list.
What is your role in the Charger program as an assistant coach?
I do a lot of the recruiting– a lot of the mailings and phone calls to recruits. I also identify as many kids as possible.
Where do you focus your recruiting most?
We recruit a lot in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio. Those are our top five. But now I am seeing more and more recruiting from Wisconsin– my home state.
Your program has been consistently producing professional quality players such as Nick Washburn and Brad Guinane. Are there any other standout players that you think are talented enough to maybe play at the next level?
I think if Tim Deleski wants to play he could; sophomore Jason Pretzer with his skill and size. For a kid his size he shoots really well.
Who are the key guys this year?
Our captains seniors Anthony Manno and Tim Deleski of course, and our point guards sophomore Zach Miller and junior Cody Smith will be key players.
Has the construction on the sports complex been a problem for your preseason?
It’s been a little bit of a hindrance. We’ve had to shuffle around to the Academy and Hillsdale and Jonesville high schools. But the biggest thing is the guys can’t go get in a few shots between classes now. We know in the big picture it’s going to be nice. We’re looking forward to the next few months after the completion.
Dan Evans, assistant coach the last few years, is now coaching at Ohio Dominican University. How will that affect the program?
It’s been an adjustment for all of us. Ryan Choiniere (‘13) has come in and done a great job. So far we’ve been doing well and recruiting is going well.
Are you looking forward to playing Ohio Dominican?
It will be weird to see him on the other sideline and I wish him success. I will be rooting for him 20 times this season, but obviously not against us. I want to win.
What game are you looking forward to most?
I really don’t pinpoint one. We have three exhibition games. Those are always exciting for the guys. I’m looking forward to the season as a whole.
This year the team will be playing Indiana. How big is that game?
It’s really exciting. It’s an opportunity for our guys to play in those arenas in those situations and with those teams and on television. It kind of brings out the little kid in me and it’s kind of neat to be in the same building as all that tradition.
How does experience from those exhibition games help the team in the regular season?
It’s breaks up our preseason. After 11 days of practicing we go play these games. We have time to clean things up before our real season. It gives us something to pinpoint from the preseason games and get ready for the season.
How is this year’s team starting to shape up?
We have eight of our 10 guys back. It should be a great season.
