ZS: What type of product do you hope to put out on the floor in this revamped culture at Calusa? What type of personnel do you expect to utilize and which specific brand of player would you be recruiting to fill the voids from the ground up during your first year?
AA: Honestly, this year we have the luxury of taking the entire upcoming season to build our roster. Our 2019 and 2020 season is really our main date, that's when the focus gets started. With that being said, we are working around the clock to recruit starting now. That means laying all the foundation down for a powerhouse. And the product that we would like to have is suitable given the strength of our conference and also across the nation. This means high level, good athletes who excel not only athletically but academically as well.
Being in the SIAA conference as a coach, it really helps you elevate your game as a recruiter. Because we contain some of the best programs not only in the state of Florida but in the entire nation, to play against on a daily basis.
Not to mention, we are a national program and a program of national prestige. Thus, we have to be on the road representing our conference and state. So we have to make sure we recruit for this task. And young men with high character suitable to handle that type of pressure and responsibility are precisely who we are looking for.
We're recruiting for the future, so our most targeted recruits are underclassmen and up-and-coming studs. We also want to have homegrown talent, so we'll be recruiting South Florida heavily as well.
Calusa has also been a traditional program, so we will be recruiting globally to round it off. So as a coach, I'm super excited to use my resources. And ultimately, put a print with Calusa stamp across the world.
ZS: Describe the experience this summer, coaching in the Dominican Republic and attaining a level of unprecedented team success. Which moments and accomplishments are most memorable for you as a coach who has now cultivated talent across the world?
AA: This past summer, I learned a lot about myself as a coach and as a human being. I have a Dominican National team to thank for that and for the experience we had down in Argentina. Leading a team into the World Cup was an amazing experience for me because I love the sport.
Most importantly, however, the sport has helped me open my eyes to the world which is really a blessing in itself. Also, the bond that I formed with a lot of those boys was priceless. I know I will be in their lives forever now.
As a team we clearly wanted more because we are competitive, but setting the world record for our country was a huge honor for us. We came in ninth in the entire world which is the highest ranking in amateur sport of basketball for the country of the Dominican Republic. It was so much joy and pride to represent 10,000,000+ habitants in that country. So many more around the world that are of Dominican descent.
A lot of these kids are in the states playing high school basketball and I know for a fact, a high majority of them will be playing Division-I basketball one day. I will never forget Rosario and Santa Fe, Argentina and the U-17 World Championships.
ZS: What's your focus going into this new position and how do you expect to bring Calusa Prep back to an again prominent SIAA which has returned with strength in numbers and top-tier prospects this season?
AA: Honestly, my focus is to evolve in my new role and grow with my new program and support my new school community in Calusa Prep. I have the best support system and the best staff working with me, so I know this is a very quick fix.
I feel like at 31 years old, not many have ever been able to obtain a job like Calusa in the SIAA. So, I have to count my blessings and really make the best of the situation. I expect to be here for years and build a good legacy, one that was already obtained by Dr. Fowler in the past. I'll be looking forward to his mentorship for years to come. Saddle UP!