MIAMI (May 12, 2020) - Next in our Panther Q&A series is FIU men's basketball assistant coach Joey Rodriguez. The 2019-20 season marked his second year on head coach Jeremy Ballard's staff. 

Q: What made you want to join a men's basketball coaching staff?
A: "The opportunity to work with Coach Ballard first and foremost. After getting to know him during his time at VCU, it was evident to me what he was about. I am very lucky to work for someone I really enjoy being around and trust. It has been a lot of fun. We also live in Miami!"
 
Q: How was your transition from playing professionally to working on a coaching staff?
A: "It has been a grind. I worked my way up from being a volunteer at UCF, to a high school assistant coach. Then I went from having my own high school team to becoming a video coordinator. This was the way I wanted it to happen. I had a lot to learn and was lucky enough to be around some great people that I could watch and pick their brain and see the day-to-day work that goes into running a program."
 
Q: How is it being on Coach Ballard's staff?
A: "I love it. Jeremy gives us a ton of freedom as a staff. We are in constant communication but there are not a ton of informal meetings, etc. We always have our doors open in our offices so we are talking all day about our guys and how we can improve. Our guys are always in the office hanging out with our staff and we have discussions about everything, not just hoops."
 
Q: What makes FIU special?
A: "The people first and foremost. I have really enjoyed being here for these last two years. The campus is amazing. People don't realize until they arrive on campus everything this place has to offer."
 
Q: What's been your favorite memory since joining the FIU staff?
A: "We have had a great two years, with still a lot more to be done. I just enjoy seeing our guys grow every year both on the court and off the court."
 
Q: What experiences from your playing days have helped you as a coach?
A: "Just understanding that at the end of it all it is about the moments you have with your teammates and staff. That is what you really remember. I don't remember who first team all-conference was when I played, but I remember the championships and graduation. I remember times spent in our apartments with my teammates. Just gives me a good perspective."
 
Q: What player has been the most fun to work with over your career?
A: "If I answer this, my phone will blow up! I love them all!"
 
Q: In your opinion, which coach do you look up to or want to take after for your own philosophies?
A: "I love basketball. I take something from every coach I have played for and worked for. Every coach I played for (assistants and head coaches) in college have become head coaches. I also enjoy watching a whole ton of different basketball leagues all around the world that I try and learn from."
 
Q: If you could play 1v1 against anyone, past or present, who would you play and do you think you'd win?
A: "I would love to play Brian Beard, Jr. and Antonio Day, Jr. but the 2011 me, even though they still struggle guarding me now. We need to release the tapes!"
 
Q: If you weren't coaching basketball, what would you be doing or what other sport would you be coaching?
A: "While I was the head coach at Lake Howell High School in Winter Park, Florida I was a video game designer at EA Sports. It was a dream come true to be honest. I was working where they made Madden, NBA Live etc. I had the opportunity to travel and work E3 in Los Angeles and I was part of a team I really enjoyed working with. If I did not pursue coaching at the highest level, I would still be working in the gaming industry."

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