Dave Mallon Discusses Decision

Dave Mallon, a 6-9 1/2, 210 pound power forward/center from East Aurora H.S. in East Aurora, N.Y., committed to St. Joe's yesterday. Russ Blake did a Q&A with him.

Mallon was seriously considering Pittsburgh, St. Joseph's and Canisius.

IR: Can you talk about some of the factors which led to you picking St. Joe's over Canisius and Pittsburgh?

DM: It came down to the campus and where I could picture myself going to class. And I felt really comfortable on St. Joe's campus. I talked to my dad Saturday night and we just kind of came to the conclusion that would be the best place for me.

IR: So even though you are going there on a basketball scholarship, ironically enough you kind of chose it for some non-basketball related reasons.

DM: Yes.

IR: Can you talk about the head coaches of the different programs. Was there a difference there at all? Obviously, Ben Howland has steadily rebuilt the Pitt program, and the same for Coach Martelli at St. Joe's. Coach MacDonald is trying to do the same at Canisius. Did any of the of the coaches stand out?

DM: I've had a lot of time to get to know all three coaches, so it made it really hard to say no to two of them. Coach MacDonald is a local guy, so I've known him since I was in eighth grade. Coach Martelli has been recruiting me since I was a sophomore. And I just got to know Coach Howland this year and he was a real personable guy. I got to know him real quick. So that made it real tough, but I trusted all three of them with my basketball and academic future.

IR: Where does St. Joe's see you fitting into their program -- the power forward or center position?

DM: They want me to replace (current Hawk senior) Bill Phillips when he graduates and moves on. I feel that gives me the best opportunity to come in and play right away. So most likely, I will play the four position.

IR: In a previous interview, you told us that you were going to make the announcement on Friday, Nov. 16. Is that still the case?

DM: Yes, Friday I will have a press conference at the high school.

IR: We assume by now that you've informed all of the coaches?

DM: Yes.

IR: How did the coaches take the news? I am sure that St. Joe's was ecstatic, but the other two were not as pleased.

DM: Yeah, I could understand that, because we kind of developed a friendship along with it. But like any other school, I am sure that they've been through it before -- it's a business.

IR: When did you actually inform Coach Martelli of your decision?

DM: I called Coach Martelli and talked to him on Saturday night. Then I called Coach Howland and Coach MacDonald on Sunday morning.

IR: So are you glad the decision is over with?

DM: It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It feels good.