Ever been to a BU basketball game and wondered — What was he THINKING?!

Now, coach Al Walker is giving you, the fans, the chance to ask that burning question — why?

Next Tuesday’s Meet the Coach night will give the fans an unprecedented chance to get acquainted with the men’s basketball head coach (and eat free pizza).

But more importantly, you’ll have a chance to ask him those questions you’ve always wanted answered.

The legacy of Al Walker will be made or broken in this, his sixth season at Binghamton University. He’s never lasted longer than five years at any other job, but with a solid season that ends with success, he can solidify a legacy in Binghamton basketball history.

But from recruiting to substitutions to scheduling, very few of his decisions have gone unquestioned by students and local fans alike. Wallowing in mediocrity in a conference nobody outside the northeast could identify, and with the tournament returning again to the house Al Walker built, 2005-06 is his chance — maybe final chance — to become the face of Binghamton basketball for years to come.

Again: this season will make or break the coach’s legacy at Binghamton. By giving the Zoo a chance to get acquainted with him personally, Walker’s looking to earn the respect of the best fans in the conference — which, in a very, VERY close conference, might mean the difference between a fourth-place and a first-place finish.

But much like last year’s S.A.-run “town hall meetings,” this meeting won’t mean much if the fans don’t come prepared. Bring tough but fair questions for the coach to answer. Ask a follow-up question if Walker tries to dodge the question, but don’t seem rude.

Come for the free pizza, but try and leave with a deeper understanding of BU men’s basketball. Kudos to coach Walker for reaching out to the students, but he’s put the ball in your court. Ask meaningful questions.

And oh yeah, free pizza. Next Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Lecture Hall 8. Make a note of it.