It’s a new season and a new school year at Coppin State University where men’s head basketball coach and former NBAer Larry Stewart is getting a whole new cast of student athletes assembled to play in the MEAC. Stew joined Nestor at The Beaumount in Catonsville on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour to talk NIL and modern college basketball recruiting realities that are different than when Fang Mitchell brought him to West Baltimore 39 years ago.
Larry Stewart, Coppin State’s basketball coach, discussed his journey from player to coach, emphasizing the importance of education and life lessons. He highlighted the evolving role of college coaches, now managing finances and recruiting year-round. Stewart expressed pride in his team’s dedication and the return of key players. The upcoming season starts with a game against Maryland on November 3. Stewart underscored his commitment to Coppin State, reflecting on his personal history and the institution’s legacy. He also touched on the challenges of modern recruiting, influenced by NIL deals and the need for continuous off-season work.
- [ ] @Nestor Aparicio – Promote the Coppin State men’s basketball team and their upcoming season.
- [ ] Attend the Coppin State vs. University of Maryland game on November 3rd.
Larry Stewart’s Background and Connection to Coppin State
- Nestor Aparicio introduces Larry Stewart, who lives in Rochester, Maryland, and frequently visits the Catonsville area.
- Larry Stewart shares that he first heard of Coppin State in 1986 during a visit to meet Coach Fang.
- Larry recounts how his coach in the Sunny Hill League knew Coach Fang, leading to a visit to Coppin State.
- Larry emphasizes the importance of education alongside playing basketball, which influenced his decision to attend Coppin State.
Larry Stewart’s Coaching Philosophy and Authenticity
- Nestor Aparicio asks Larry if he sees himself in the current players he recruits, to which Larry responds affirmatively.
- Larry explains that he wants the best for his players, aiming to provide them with the same experiences and life lessons he received.
- Larry discusses his motivation for coaching, which stems from the love and guidance he received from Coach Fang.
- Larry highlights his obligation to teach both the game of basketball and life lessons to the current generation of players.
Challenges of Modern College Basketball Recruiting
- Nestor Aparicio and Larry Stewart discuss the evolving role of college basketball coaches, who now act as general managers.
- Larry compares the current job to being a junior college coach, emphasizing the need to recruit players annually.
- Larry explains the importance of recruiting players who are committed to their education and basketball development.
- Nestor and Larry discuss the financial aspects of recruiting, including the influence of NIL deals on player decisions.
Larry Stewart’s Approach to Recruiting and Player Development
- Larry Stewart talks about the offseason work involved in recruiting and building a competitive roster.
- Larry emphasizes the importance of recruiting players who are dedicated to their work and committed to the program.
- Larry discusses the challenges of recruiting in a competitive environment where players are often lured by financial opportunities.
- Larry highlights the importance of providing players with the best possible experience while they are at Coppin State.
Larry Stewart’s Vision for Coppin State Basketball
- Larry Stewart shares his excitement about the upcoming season, mentioning key players returning and new recruits.
- Larry describes the mix of junior college players, transfer players, and freshmen in the new recruiting class.
- Larry emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated and hardworking team, which he believes this year’s group possesses.
- Larry looks forward to the season opener against Maryland on November 3, highlighting the significance of the Hall of Fame series.
Larry Stewart’s Personal Connection to Coppin State
- Nestor Aparicio and Larry Stewart discuss the personal connection Larry has to Coppin State, having walked the campus and accomplished much there.
- Larry expresses his commitment to Coppin State and his desire to bring the program back to its former glory.
- Larry reflects on the influence of Coach Fang and the life lessons he learned during his time at Coppin State.
- Larry emphasizes the importance of providing players with a quality education and basketball experience.
Larry Stewart’s Reflections on Coach Fang and Coppin State’s History
- Nestor Aparicio and Larry Stewart reminisce about Coach Fang’s impact on the players and the program.
- Larry shares stories about Coach Fang’s tough coaching style and the lessons learned from his hard work.
- Larry reflects on the famous 15-1 season and the impact it had on the program and the community.
- Larry emphasizes the importance of maintaining the legacy of Coach Fang and the values he instilled in the players.
Larry Stewart’s Commitment to Coppin State and the Community
- Nestor Aparicio and Larry Stewart discuss the importance of supporting Coppin State and the community.
- Larry expresses his gratitude for the support he has received from the community and his commitment to giving back.
- Larry highlights the role of Coppin State in providing opportunities for young people and the importance of community engagement.
- Larry emphasizes the need for continued support to help the program succeed and make a positive impact on the community.
Larry Stewart’s Personal Life and Interests
- Nestor Aparicio and Larry Stewart discuss Larry’s personal life, including his dietary preferences and favorite foods.
- Larry shares that he does not eat pork or beef and prefers seafood, mentioning his current choice of a turkey burger.
- Larry talks about his favorite dishes at the Beaumont, including seafood and turkey burgers.
- Larry reflects on his experiences at the Beaumont and his appreciation for the community and its support.
Larry Stewart’s Future Plans and Goals for Coppin State
- Nestor Aparicio and Larry Stewart discuss Larry’s future plans and goals for Coppin State.
- Larry emphasizes the importance of continuing to recruit quality players and providing them with the best possible experience.
- Larry highlights the need for ongoing support from the community and the importance of maintaining strong relationships.
- Larry expresses his commitment to helping the program succeed and making a positive impact on the community.
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
Coppin State, Larry Stewart, NIL, college basketball recruiting, education, NBA, coaching, player development, offseason, roster management, Maryland game, Hall of Fame series, community support, life lessons, basketball program.
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SPEAKERS
Speaker 1, Nestor Aparicio, Larry Stewart
Nestor Aparicio 00:00
Welcome home. We are W, N, S, T. Am 1570 task Baltimore. We are Baltimore positive. You know, it’s raining a little bit out here at the Beaumont and Catonsville, so I don’t have all that sunlight on my face here, as you usually have. I have the Raven scratch also from our friends at the Maryland lottery. And, you know, I invited this guy out, and he hangs out at here because I’ve seen him here before. He’s got friends here in Kate. Do you live in Catonsville?
Larry Stewart 00:24
Larry Stewart, no, no, I do not. I live in Rochester, Maryland area. I just, you know, frequent this area a lot, and have just a lot of friends in this area,
Nestor Aparicio 00:33
8because, you know what’s good? Yes, that’s all it is. Yes, sir, now you’ll compensate our partners. 125th anniversary Dr Jenkins gave me and and the staff over there gave me this beautiful 125th anniversary logo. So I wear that all the time. You’ve been wearing Coppin for what about 30 years now? How long when’s the first time you heard the Coppin exists when you were a young man?
Larry Stewart 00:56
Oh, wow, that’s that’s a good question. I actually never heard of it until I came down here on the visit in what is 1986
Nestor Aparicio 01:05
so, Fang, walk into your parents living room. Is this how this was? Tell me the story about how you found common
Larry Stewart 01:10
No, it did not happen that way. It just so happened that my coach in the Sunny Hill League was really, really good friends with Coach Fang, when he when he got the job, and so he put a bunch of us in the car. We came down 95 and actually, captain didn’t have a gym at that time. They were playing their games at CCBC, which was right up on the hill. And so we come down, we go to be B, Triple C, watch a game, and, you know, get to meet coach Frank, and he wanted to play ball. One to play ball, so wanted to get an education. One to get the education, one to play ball. It was kind of one of those pre arranged situations, which, you know, happened in our day.
8Nestor Aparicio 01:53
Be honest with me, did you want to get an education, or did you just want to play ball? What was more when you were 17?
Larry Stewart 01:58
I mean, of course, you know, you’re just thinking about the basketball part, right? But you know, as you, you know, get older and become older and little bit wiser, you understand that, you know, the most important thing is the education, because that’s what really, really carries you.
Nestor Aparicio 02:14
You see these kids in you when you’re out. I mean, I mean, one of the things about you being a player there is this authenticity that you bring that when you’re recruiting someone, and it’s a whole that we’ll get into the n, i L and do all that, but when? But do you see a little they see in you that you were one of them too, right? Like that. You were a kid trying to get an education and looking out for their best interest, because Fang man, Fang looked after Fay, protected you guys, all of you, you know, you
Larry Stewart 02:40
8know? Oh, absolutely, absolutely, yeah, you know, that’s, that’s, that’s just authentically me. I just want what’s best for them. I want them to experience the things that I experienced. And so that’s one of the main reasons why I got into coaching, is to get back. And so someone showed me a lot of love growing up and directed me and gave me a lot of life lessons through the game of basketball, and so that’s what I’m here to teach. And I feel as though it’s my obligation to the game to help further this generation by teaching them the game of basketball, but also giving them life lessons
Nestor Aparicio 03:13
when they Google, you to see Larry Stewart, coping, coping, state, coping. That’s fine, you know, like, All right, so what NBA coach Do you play any NBA that’s gotta have a whole different not a whole lot. I mean, only 1012, of you on any, any team ever, even if you’re the sixth man, eighth man, the 10th man, the Swing Man, you last a year, last a month. You get a 10 day contract. You play in the NBA? Absolutely. And there’s a whole different level for a young man at this point to realize you have played in the NBA, that that’s your calling card, right?
Larry Stewart 03:49
Absolutely, it’s a special fraternity. You know, everybody wants to get in there, but, you know, everyone I went tall enough still, yeah. So you know it’s a special fraternity to be a part of. And so you know that, you know that each and every athlete wants to, you know, someway, somehow, end up in the NBA or playing professionally somewhere. And so it is a great card to have, you know, to try to get them to understand what it takes to to even get into that special fraternity.
Nestor Aparicio 04:18
Well, look, if Fang were here, he would tell me, cop and man, that’s tough job. That’s tough job. A cop and man, stu’s got, you know, and that is n i l come so give me the last three, four years you took the gig. You know, we do a lot with copping around here, one of our great partners. I always encourage people come down support you guys. I know it’s been tough. Yeah, I see the results and whatnot. But I’m thinking this is really a tough job, man. I had Pat scary on over Towson, and they got disappointed in their in their tournament. But just how much for any of you that were athletes and you were recruited athlete, we talked about that 3040, years ago to where it is now, and keeping kids on campus. One year at a time, figuring out finances and being really a general manager as much as a basketball coach.
8Larry Stewart 05:07
Yeah, you’re, you’re a lot more than than what Coach Fang was in his time. You know, I talked to him quite often and let him know he’s doing pretty good. Don’t call in now. Oh, absolutely. And I just let them know that, coach, hey, you would never, ever be at a coach in this day and age. And so it’s just a different game. And you just have to, you know, understand that it is a different game and understand what you have to do to accomplish, you know, all of your goals. And so for me, I just look at it as, you know, again, you’re going to recruit players each and every year. And so it’s kind of like we are a junior college, whereas, though, you know, you’re not going to keep players for a maximum, but one year, two years, if you’re very lucky. And so my thing is to, you know, all the young men that I’m you know, out here recruiting, trying to get the coming cop and say, Hey, listen for the for the time that you’re here, you’re going to get the best that I can give you, and hopefully you know this, this is going to help you in the long run.
Nestor Aparicio 06:05
How much work is it offseason here for you? I see you in here today. It’s Beaumont in a recruiting way, to try to get a roster together to compete. And y’all, y’all want to compete in the me acts very competitive. Yes, when you’re figuring out this is a young man I can get the that I can attract and get the Kauffman or and this is the same story, if you know, if you could have played at Duke or North Carolina, right there to come and got you. There’s always that status part of this. But now the money’s involved in this. It was always get me on TV, get me to the NBA. I mean, you proved you can go to the NBA through coffin, right? I mean, kirklee proved you can go to Towson and play any so there is, I mean, Steph Curry proved you can go, you know, right? So being in a smaller school, that’s not necessarily Death Note, but trying to recruit and attract that person to the campus here in West Baltimore and win basketball games, that’s why you keep your gig too. It’s so it’s daunting. It’s just, if it’s a tough job, you know,
Larry Stewart 06:59
absolutely is 100% is very, very tough. You know, just going back to it, you know, it’s not where you’re at is what you do while you’re there and so, but you know, again, it’s just a different game. You know, you mentioned the NFL and, you know, as you, as you recruiting players, there was a time when you could only recruit, where you recruited at certain times of the year. Well, that’s out the window. You have to recruit like right now. You have to recruit for next year, because you just don’t know the at the end of the year, what your roster gonna be. And so there is no more off season. And so everyone wants money, but, you know, understanding, in our league, everyone doesn’t get money, you know, but everyone wants money. And so you just have to stress that to these guys that, you know, listen, everybody don’t get money. I may have something for you, but, you know, everybody is not entitled to that at at our level. But what you can do is come here and have a great year and put yourself in a opportunity where you can make a lot more money, Bob, going out and performing and having heaven,
Nestor Aparicio 08:00
8having it. That’s the strangest thing in the world. You Yeah, I mean, and I talked to your, your your contemporary on the female side that six months ago, said, if I have a player that’s too good, she’s just gone. She’s just gone.
Larry Stewart 08:14
Absolutely gone, absolutely and so you can, you can get mad at that, or you can understand that this is and embrace it. You can embrace and understand that this is the game today. And so I am choosing to embrace it. And so I look at a young man that says, Okay, if you come into my program, you give me what you supposed to give me, I’m gonna give you what I’m supposed to give you. And if you leave here and get a great, Nil deal, then I done my job. That’s how you have to look at, right? I’ve done my job because it’s about money. That’s, that’s what the game is about now,
Nestor Aparicio 08:46
well, and I think the other thing is, like, it’s like a minor league coach is trying to get him
Larry Stewart 08:50
to the big leagues, right? Absolutely, absolutely. Larry
8Nestor Aparicio 08:53
Stewart is here, Coach Stu at Coppin State, our partners celebrating 125 years, got a big gala coming up next month. Now I gotta, you know, I got to get try. I got to get shaved up, dressed up for that. Dr, Jenkins. Dr Jenkins, coming on next week, so I’m gonna talk to him about it. But give me a little life over Coppin. I mean, you’ve, you’ve already said, Man, when I came down here, we didn’t have this, we didn’t have that. You went away. You played your NBA. You coach, Coach across the street, cross city. We don’t talk about that, except more Coco’s. We’ll talk about your other game. But the Morgan Coppin thing is also a fun thing. But give me about life at Coppin right now, because I’ve been coming to your event. Miss peaches is coming on a couple weeks too. So I know you’re nodding about that. Everybody knows her over at Coppin. So I try to celebrate everything about your campus, but getting the kids back onto campus and you getting ready for your season, ramping up right now, right? You get dribbling out there a little
Larry Stewart 09:42
bit. Yeah, we are in our conditioning stage. We will get a full throttle on the court start next week. Next week. Yes, sir, yeah, man, so Tom Tom Tom so when he got this year, tell me, I’m very excited about this, this team. We return in three plays. Players from last year roster, Cameron Sprague, Kelly Horton and Makai Nelson, who no one got to see because he tore his knee up the first day of practice. Yeah. So he set out the whole year, so he’s looking pretty good. Then we had to bring in 14 new players, man. And so 14, yeah, just so excited about
Nestor Aparicio 10:20
how good you might be, but that’s maybe not other teams. You’re not the only one bringing in 14
Larry Stewart 10:25
8guys, right? I think everyone is in the same situation. But what I do like about this group is that they’re on point about everything. They’re saying the right things right now, and they’re just dedicated to the work right now. And so I do love that. You know, we have a mixture of some junior college players, some transfer players. Have four guys. Is 6869, height frame, you know, got some got some little, yeah, well, bigger than me, actually, and so it has some girth. I got some good, solid guard play and Joe. So just very, very excited for this upcoming 2526 season. And you know, we start the season off against Maryland on November 3 at the CFG Bank Arena. And so just just looking forward
Nestor Aparicio 11:10
to November 3 feels like five weeks from well, yeah, it is.
Larry Stewart 11:13
It won’t take long before get here. That’s for sure.
Nestor Aparicio 11:18
What’s your number one selling point? Well, what do you when you when you’re with a parent, with a kid, and you feel like you got a chance, and it’s a good fit for you? What? What’s the ultimate What’s the thing you can What’s your special sauce like?
8Larry Stewart 11:30
Well, is that you’re going to get coached by someone who, who, number one, walk these walk this campus, became a man on this campus, and accomplished a lot of things, you know, at this university, and you’re just gonna get someone who just cares a little bit more because he understands everything about this university. And so you’re gonna get that from everyone on my staff who also, who also have walked this campus and graduated, and so that’s how so important, like, we love it more than anybody else. You’re not going to get a staff more qualified than mine. Everything that you’re young, that you’re trying to accomplish, that your son is trying to accomplish, we have accomplished it. And so, you know, that’s a great selling point for us. And I’d
Nestor Aparicio 12:12
let my kid play for you. I
Larry Stewart 12:15
know I would, I would think so. I’d let my kid play for you, absolutely, and I appreciate that.
Nestor Aparicio 12:20
8Well, you know the thing about like, what happened with the Maryland coach last year’s moving on, bigger job, more money, all that, not that you’re not motivated, not that you wouldn’t take the Duke job if they call you. Yeah, I think you would. But all that being said, I feel like you’re true blue. I mean, I feel like you’re here for now, for a couple you’re you’re going to take good care of my kid because you care about Coppin. You’re not going to be selling them out the night before the conference tournament, taking a job to go to Arkansas State or something, you know,
Larry Stewart 12:49
I will let him know beforehand, you know, again, like I said, Man, you know, I’ve been shown a lot of love and been blessed with this game of basketball, and it all started for me at Coppin State and through coach Fang. And so I feel obligated to to get things back to where, you know, they once were.
Nestor Aparicio 13:06
Fang told me he’s gonna make young men at all. You look at how it turned out, he made old men at all, all of us. I can’t think of Fang without smiling, but maybe he probably was tough on you.
Larry Stewart 13:15
Man, Hey, man, listen, you know you saw Fang angry, right? Listen, listen, well, you know the statute limitation is over now. So, yeah, so you know, you talking four hour practices. You know it was, it was just water. Sometimes yes, sometimes no, depending on his mood. Oh, man, he’s a different game. I appreciate it. Yes, sir. But you know, without those without, without that hard work. You know, there’s no Larry Stewart,
8Nestor Aparicio 13:44
so you weren’t on the 9018 a famous night. You’re long gone by then. But the team that you were long but the famous team 15 on two, yes, Fang brought all those young men out to my studio. I was before I had the radio station. So I got the station in August of 98 that big win was in March of 98 and they came out and sat in my Sheraton studio. We were sponsored then by a pizza company called mama lardos. They probably still exist, but they bring pizzas out for us. And when Fang was out, we ordered like five, six pizzas for the 15 kids and the trainers whatever. You know, it’s like 20 people that came with the contingent from and they’re revered. You guys won. I mean, you were, were you in a league? Excuse me, 98 you were in league. Watch, yes. Where were you watching those games?
Larry Stewart 14:31
I was in Seattle, so I actually, I don’t remember watching the game, but actually, I believe we were playing, if I’m not mistaken, I don’t want to, I believe we were playing like Detroit with Grant Hill, because I remember him saying something my age, you know, you guys wanted something to that fact, you talking. I was with Seattle during that
Nestor Aparicio 14:51
Duke guy would know the cop and more, even though I pronounce it. So when that happened, he brought all the players out. We had pizza and. And he knew about my newsletter. This is no internet’s 1998 and we had pictures of all the kids eating pizza, and we’re hanging out, and same bloom gold, the whole deal. And I got the pictures and fans like, Hey, man, you can’t put those pictures in your newsletter with with the pizza. Man, that’s violation. Game game free
Larry Stewart 15:18
8pizza. Game free pizza. Yeah,
Nestor Aparicio 15:20
19 I gave his gave his kids free pizza, and I’m breaking the rules now you they’re asking you for money.
Larry Stewart 15:26
It’s crazy. We’re out
Nestor Aparicio 15:29
here at the Beaumont go support Larry Street. Please support Coppin State. Whatever you’re doing. There are great partners on all they do. Dr Jenk is going to join us. We always talk good about them and bring on educators. Talk about current issues. Talk about good stuff going on West Baldwin. Baltimore, and how they’re lifting the community. This guy’s been doing it for four decades over West Baltimore. He’s the head coach of the Coppin State eagles. And you get such a beautiful gym that people
8Speaker 1 15:51
out, yes, yeah. Very, very beautiful the arena. Who? What’s that night? November 3. What are you doing?
Larry Stewart 15:58
November 3 is November 3 opens this season. We open up against the University of Maryland. It is called the Hall of Fame series. It’s a double header. We we play Maryland. I believe Towson will also be playing Loyola that
Nestor Aparicio 16:12
So, a little battle the beltway old school, right? We used to do that at the town, yeah.
Larry Stewart 16:16
8So, so get them season tickets. November 3, come out and see this? See a source where you go, soar.
Nestor Aparicio 16:23
You know, normally I’m a Terps fan. I mean, I can be a little divided that day, right?
Larry Stewart 16:27
I’m a little divided too. But, you know, my nephew now plays for, for the Terps uh linebacker, Sidney Stewart, number 29 so I’m a little divided too. Um, you said that play for Loxley, did you? Huh? Yes, yeah, that’s my brother’s son. So it’s my nephew. Yeah. So I’m a little divide. I got a little bit of Terps in me now,
Nestor Aparicio 16:46
but you won’t on November 3 for two Absolutely not. All right, Go Eagles and hey Coppin, we’re here. We’re down here at the Beaumont in Catonsville and stew see what’s your favorite thing at the Beaumont? I see you here.
8Larry Stewart 17:00
Well, I don’t eat pork or beef, so I’m normally any type of seafood that they have, like, right now I’m having, I’m about to have a turkey burger. All right, yeah, but everything here is pretty good.
Nestor Aparicio 17:12
Have you ever had the fried lobster tail? Absolutely number 25 on my list. I mean the fried lobster
Larry Stewart 17:20
tail fried green tomatoes.
Nestor Aparicio 17:23
8So I would tell you about the lamb chops, but you don’t
Larry Stewart 17:26
need shipping grips is great on Sunday, even the regular I
Nestor Aparicio 17:29
know, but I get on brunch
Larry Stewart 17:30
guy, Oh yes, oh yeah, yeah, they’re pretty good food here.
Nestor Aparicio 17:35
My Coppin brothers know what’s good. He’s out here symptom to see him at State Fair. You can see me if you get to El Guapo. Get the chicken tortilla soup up there. It’s phenomenal. I got Pat young your councilman. He’s running for Baltimore County Executive. Looking forward to having him on coach Larry Stewart of Coppin State. We’ve had a great show. It’s all brought to you by friends at the Maryland lottery. I got scratch also from the Ravens. Been giving these away. Luke’s been out in Owings Mills. Getting you ready for football. I’m getting ready for some lamb chops, getting ready for a great conversation about military and Baltimore County in our future with Councilman Pat Young. We’re in Catonsville. Life is great. The 21228, back for more on Baltimore positive right after this, you.
