Welcome to the Dragon Community: Sean Suchomel

Sean Suchomel is Minnesota State Moorhead's new assistant men's basketball coach. With three years of coaching experience in Division I, Coach Suchomel will be running the offense for the Dragons and recruiting players from Wisconsin and Illinois.

Q: What drew you to Minnesota State Moorhead?
A: Being closer to Wisconsin — my home state — was a big part of the decision. I lived in Washington for the past three years, now I'm a 7-hour drive or a flight away from my family.

Also, the opportunity to lead the offense of the team is the main part of my role. At DI level there are six to eight coaches for this, whereas here, that role and responsibility is going to fall heavily on me and I'm excited for the challenge.

Lastly, Moorhead has a winning program, I believe we could win at the highest level, compete for an NSIC championship, and ultimately a national championship.

Suchomel was the Director of Basketball Operations for one year at Washington State and two years at Eastern Washington.

Q: Do you have any previous connections to Moorhead?
A: I've had some friends and former teammates that have played in the NSIC so I'm familiar with the conference and the basketball level.

Coach Kemp, head men's basketball coach, and Suchomel are both from Madison, Wisconsin.

Coach Kemp's lifelong best friend was my youth basketball coach. We have mutual friends and had some conversations in the past, but we never met before I came here.

Q: How do you prefer to start your workday?
A: I like to talk and check in with the players, make sure everybody is in a good place, either life, family, school or basketball related.

I'm a big relationship guy; if we can take the time to ensure we all are in a good spot, healthy and breathing fresh air, excited to attack that day of work, I think that's a great way to start it.

Q: If you could only choose 3 apps on your smartphone. Which ones would you choose? 
A: iMessage is number one because of the amount of people you can remain connected with, not only in the US but around the world. Then, I like X (Twitter); it is my news and basketball resource, I get everything there. The third would be Instagram; I enjoy seeing people's pictures, people traveling and the beautiful sights that are around the world waiting to be discovered.

Q: What show are you currently watching?
A: I've been on a crime kick lately. I just rewatched Prison Break and started rewatching Money Heist. I usually get behind the thriller, investigative, manipulative kind of show.

Q: If you could meet any athlete, who would you choose?
A: I'll say two. First, Michael Jordan — he is considered one of the best basketball players, the best in my opinion. His legacy, demeanor, competitiveness, I'd love to pick his brain a little bit.

The other one would be Giannis (Antetokounmpo). I enjoy watching him as a Buck because of his loyalty, competitive spirit and belief in the city of Milwaukee.

I think both are wired the same way, they just want to compete, go out there and do the best for their city, their program. That's a lot of what I'm about, so they will be on the top of my list.

Q: What's the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
A: When I was starting my coaching career, my sister encouraged me to go away, explore and meet new people. She told me I could always go back home and be with my family. Family is extremely important to me; her advice gave me the confidence to find my path.

Welcome to the Dragon Community, Coach Suchomel!