MOBILE, Ala. – Part of a staff that has helped the University of South Alabama men's basketball team to its first 5-0 start since the 1982-83 season, assistant coach Russ Willemsen sat down with "Inside JagNation," the official podcast of Jaguar Athletics, for this week's episode.

In the podcast, Willemsen discusses what he believes is the key to the Jags' early success, how he works with the program's student-athletes on a day-to-day basis and what he believes the program can accomplish this year.  He explains duties including practice and game planning, scouting future opponents and recruiting, and how head coach Matthew Graves delegates those responsibilities among his staff.

Willemsen also talks about growing up in upstate New York, how he ended up attending Lee (Tenn.) University and his path in becoming a coach.  He explains his interest in joining the South Alabama staff, what he enjoys most about coaching and long-term career goals.

Click here for Episode 18 of "Inside JagNation"

After serving as a student assistant at Lee, Willemson joined the staff in a part-time role upon receiving his degree in physical education and history education in 2004.  He became the director of operations at Tennessee Tech for the 2005-06 campaign and following one year with the Golden Eagles was elevated to a full-time assistant, a role he would have for seven seasons — earning his master's degree in instructional leadership during that time — before joining the Jaguar staff in 2013.

Click here for "Inside JagNation" archives

Fans can download each episode of "Inside JagNation" for free with a search for "South Alabama Jaguars" on iTunes.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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