Helmsman sports reporter Alisa Gardner sat down Thursday with coordinator of basketball operations Milt Wagner, the father of Tiger freshman sensation Dajuan Wagner.
Wagner, who annoyed Memphis fans for years as a Louisville standout in the 80s, is one of only a few basketball players to have won a championship at the prep, collegiate and professional levels.
AG: Most people around Memphis think you are pretty cool, but how would you describe yourself?
MW: I’m just a pretty low key, laid back kind of guy. I have been that way all of my life. I am even a little shy.
AG: What is your favorite kind of shoe to wear?
MW: I wear all kinds of shoes, but I would have to say that Ostrich is my favorite. I also like the reptiles because they are soft on your feet.
AG: What articles of clothing describe you the best?
MW: Some nice Tommy Hilfiger jeans and a Sean Jean sweater with some Timberland boots would best describe me.
AG: What was the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?
MW: Winning the National Championship with the University of Louisville in 1986. We went to three Final Fours and we won my senior year. My dream had come true.
AG: How would you describe your experience with the Los Angeles Lakers?
MW: It was great, I got a chance to play with Kareem Abdul-Jabar, Magic Johnson and James Worthy. Being with those Hall of Fame guys was a big thrill for me. What could be better than winning a championship your first year in the NBA?
AG: How does it feel to be here in Memphis and to be working with your son, Dajuan?
MW: Just getting to be with him everyday, watching him workout is really great for me.
Earlier in his career, I was playing basketball overseas and I didn’t get a chance to see him much. Now I get to do everyday stuff with him, as a father and a coach.
AG: What are your thoughts on the City of Memphis?
MW: I played against Memphis when I was in college, but I like it here. The city has grown a lot — downtown is blowing up. It is going to be even greater in a couple of years. The people are friendly. I love the Southern hospitality.
AG: Who was your biggest inspiration while you were playing basketball?
MW: My parents were my biggest inspiration. My mother played basketball and she always told me stories about it. I heard she was pretty good so I wanted to be like her.
My parents inspired me to continue playing in college and in the pros. Dajuan, who was born when I was a college sophomore, also inspired me.
AG: What would you consider to be your most embarrassing moment?
MW: My most embarrassing moment would be when I got released from the Dallas Mavericks, when I first got out of college.
