The BU Zoo and other fans of the basketball program got a chance to talk to the Bearcats’ new men’s basketball head coach Kevin Broadus last night in Lecture Hall 2.

Broadus continually stressed throughout the 1 1/2-hour dialogue how vital fans are to the team’s success.

‘You guys are very important to this program,’ he said. ‘We want the best home-court advantage and teams to fear coming to play here.’

While Broadus wants to see that the cheering section is loud and shows a lot of school spirit, he also wants the fans to show their support in a classy way. But most importantly, he wants the fans to show up on time and be there for tip-off.

And Broadus holds his players to the same standards, as he joked, ‘Ask Richie [Forbes] what happens to guys who come late.’

But while Broadus was laughing and joking, he was serious about what he wants out of his players and what needs to be worked on. Discipline on and off the court was the main point that he stressed about his team. Broadus wants to see his team taking extra jump shots and doing the things they need to do to get better when the coaches are not around.

And on the court, Broadus didn’t seem happy with the team’s defense and teamwork last season.

‘We were the worst defensive team in the conference and that will change quickly,’ the new coach said. ‘I think we have enough talent, but we have to mesh it as a unit. We have to play as a team, not like a bunch of individuals.’

Broadus couldn’t comment on newcomers and recruits, but he did say he is recruiting very hard and that the fans will like the product on the floor.

And while it is still a way’s away, the Bearcats could be facing Atlantic 10 teams like George Washington. But in terms of out-of-conference scheduling, Broadus said, ‘It’s not who and where we play, but beating them.’

Broadus continued to emphasize that hard work pays off and that he wants his team focused and on time.

‘It’s an adjustment for all of us,’ Broadus said. ‘But I want to make it all a success for all of us.’