Of all the things you can do with your time, why coach basketball and specifically women’s basketball?

Basketball has been in my life since I was a baby. I played basketball here at Westerville South. I played professionally overseas for 14 years. Basketball is one of my first loves and it always will be. I have coached girls and boys. When I was done playing, I coached my son’s team in AAU (Amateur Athletic Union). I coached my older daughter’s team as well. I have learned the nuances, I feel, of coaching the girls opposed to the boys. For me it is being around basketball, being able to coach and doing the thing that I love and spending time with the kids.

What is your basketball philosophy?

I don’t see any difference between me and the assistants. My assistants are just as important to the team as I am. I don’t think I am above or below them. I think we are all equals. I might get the scrutiny when things go wrong. I will definitely praise them when things go right. If they have something to say, everyone needs to calm down and listen. Their word is just as strong as mine. Philosophy wise, I want to get after it. Bottom line, I want to get after it. I have 5 children, 4 being daughters. Raise them up, playing against the boys. I think you get better by being aggressive. You have to have a little bit of everything. But, the philosophy is, let’s go get it. Let’s get after it. Let’s sit down and play really good defense. Let’s be intense. Then on offence, let’s execute. Share the basketball. And hopefully, good things happen.

You have 2 daughters on the team. How is that? Is that extra pressure in your life?

That is a learning process. I really enjoy coaching my daughters. My oldest played but she didn’t love the game. She relayed that to me early. I just became a fan (just be dad). The other ones said, “hey dad, we want to play at the next level.” Now, I can dig in and be more of a coach and get after them a little more. I am always dad. In the gym, let me be coach first. I have to coach you up just like I have to coach every other girl up. Am I going to be a little harder on you? Absolutely!

Some people are easier on their children.

Oh, no!

Sidebar: Judging by the tone of “Absolutely” and “Oh no” responses Coach Guice “meant that thang.”

I’m going to say this. I’m from the old school. My expectation of them is going to be higher because they are my daughters. This goes to the state of the world today. Back in the day, if the parent got a call from school, the parent was going to check the kids first whether they did it or didn’t do it. Nowadays, the parents get a call from school and try to check the administration before checking their kids. I believe in having discipline inside the home, and outside the home.  

Once your daughters graduate, will it be a mad exodus out?

It is definitely not a mad exodus out. There are some younger kids in the area that might be coming here. One of our assistant coaches has a daughter that is supposed to be coming up through the ranks. On the boys’ side, the head coach is Ed Calo. He coached me in high school. He also coached both of his sons. His sons finished 15 or 20 years ago. He is still the coach. I believe in giving the kids the extra effort and making sure I am there for them in the best capacity that I can be in.

My take:

Walking in the gym, I observed a welcoming and respectful environment. Players and coaches communicate…. When the varsity scrimmaged the boy’s freshman team, the intensity increased. My takeaway phrase of the encounter that represents the program is “Let’s Get It”, and it looks like they are getting it.