Flint: Play us in our gym
Mike Mazzeo
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Sports
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Prior to Penn's visit, no city team had played at the Daskalakis Athletic Center since 1992 when the Dragons hosted St. Joe's. Not exactly a stat that amuses Drexel head coach Bruiser Flint.
"I hope so," Flint responded when asked if his recent home game versus the Quakers was a stepping point into Drexel becoming a bigger part of the Philadelphia basketball landscape. "But I hope people understand that because I still can't get anybody to play in this building."
Flint has had this problem ever since he first began his tenure at Drexel in 2001-02.
"I've been here eight years," Flint, who has compiled a 7-17 mark against Big 5 schools at Drexel, said. "Seven years I played in there [the Palestra versus Penn] and most of the time it was our first game. Things change."
The former St. Joe's star point guard (1984-1987) knows all about what it's like to play in the Palestra and cherishes the memories he's made there; however, he feels that now it's time for other teams in the city to understand that times are different now.
"I love the Palestra," Flint said. "[I was a] Big 5 kid. I watched those [past Big 5] games - doubleheaders on the weekends. I was a part of it. I played in it. I know the tradition. But basketball changes - and it has. So I shouldn't have to play every game against everyone in the city at the Palestra."
Flint said he believes their one-sided stance is not good business.
"That's not good basketball business," Flint said. "I don't care what anybody says."
Flint, who improved to 3-5 overall against Penn in his career after winning just two of seven games against the Quakers at the Palestra, was thankful that they were so accommodating to the switch of arenas, but says that if the harsh treatment from his Philly rivals continues, he will refuse to schedule Big 5 teams in the future.
"I appreciate Penn a lot for coming here, Flint said. "They changed the venue - early morning game. I thank them for that. They were outstanding. But I got to stop playing these teams if they don't come to this building. I got to. I'm sorry."
Asked if not playing city teams would be a detriment to his program Flint responded no, especially considering Drexel had stopped playing city schools for an extended period of time in the past.
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