GO Getter: Cuonzo Martin

The new Missouri State men's basketball coach hopes to bring defense—as well as his big smile—to the new JQH Arena.

As the construction continues on the new JQH Arena, the construction begins on the new Missouri State Bears men’s basketball team. Hopefully by November, both will be shiny new toys we can all enjoy, but for now, let the “Cuonzo Era” of Missouri State Bear Basketball begin. The new Papa Bear, a former player and assistant coach at Purdue University, in Indiana, granted us the courtesy of an interview. The highlights: He fears the Big Dog, loves country music and has a few things to learn about Springfield-style cashew chicken (Asian dish? Really?).

How does it feel to remove the word “associate” from in front of “Head Coach”?
It feels good but there’s still a lot of work to be done.

You played here at Hammons Center with Purdue [in the ’90s]. What are your memories of that game?
I remember it well! I’ve always been a big fan of [ex-Bears] Coach [Charlie] Spoonhour so I remember the way his teams played, very competitive, hard-nosed guys, very similar to the way [ex-Purdue] Coach [Gene] Keady coached his teams. It was a great atmosphere to be a part of.

Your wife [Roberta] left a great job to come here. How did that work out?
We’ve been together for 13 years and she understands that this is something I’ve always wanted to do. She’s excited about the move and felt it was time to stop working and be with her family. We talked about it and prayed about it and this is the right move to make.

And your children?
I have a 10-year old son [Joshua], a 6-year old son [Chase], and a 9-month old daughter [Addison].

You spent time in professional basketball. Who was the best player you ever played against?
Glenn Robinson. He was my teammate at Purdue. You talk about a fierce competitor, every day he played with level of intensity no one could match.

Who’s the best player you ever coached?
I’d say Carl Landry, who’s with the Houston Rockets. He’s a physical specimen, 6’7” or 6’8” and all muscle.

Have you ever been to Branson?
I’ve heard about Branson while I was growing up. One of my best friends stayed in Branson for years. He just moved back to Springfield.

What kind of music do you like?
I listen to Kenny Chesney, and I even like Miley Cyrus thanks to my kids. I watch that show every day!

Have your tried cashew chicken, Springfield-syle?
When my wife was here someone told her about it and she told me. I though it was just fried chicken with cashews on it, but I guess it’s an Asian dish if I’m not mistaken. I get that when I go to those buffet style restaurants so I guess that’s the thing to eat.

When your team hits the floor at the new JQH Arena against Arkansas, what will we see?
You’ll see a team that’s going to play defense. We’re going to play hard-nosed basketball and we will guard our opponent. I think our fans are going to like what they see.