It's hard to put into words, the benefits I gained training under Bob Gottlieb and Marv Marinovich for a year. To put it simply, these two men get the job done, and I am first hand proof of that. After attending Maine South High School in suburban Chicago, I knew I wanted to continue playing ball. When the recruiting process began I was receiving lukewarm interest from Division II and Division III schools, so I decided to walk-on at Drake University.

Upon receiving little playing time my freshman year, one thing was obvious. I needed to get better in all facets of my game. It was that epiphany that started my road out to Southern California. After that dismal freshman year, I researched some of the ways to improve my game, and all roads seemed to lead to Bob Gottlieb.

As I spoke with Coach Gottlieb on the phone, I was excited to hear that he was as serious as I was about achieving my ultimate goal of a Division I Scholarship. I moved in with Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb and they became my family away from home. They took me into their house and made me feel right "at home" throughout my year with them. I was put through intensive workouts at Marv's gym during the mornings, while at nights, Bob and I would work on all phases of my hoops game. You cannot put a price on that kind of one-on-one coaching.

I also managed to get some college credits while attending a local Community College. After playing in several leagues and showcase events, with my games professionally filmed to become the basis of a film package developed by Coach Gottlieb for college coaches to evaluate my abilities, my dream came true. I was offered a full ride to a Division I college.

At IUPUI, I was playing on ESPN against Top 25 teams with 1st round draft picks. I KNOW none of that would have been possible without the physical and mental training of Bob Gottlieb and Marv Marinovich. I am forever indebted to them for turning my goals into reality.

Matt Hermes
September 13, 2002

Note from Bob Gottlieb:

Matt Hermes is a tremendous success story that should be an inspiration to athletes all over the USA. It is possible to make it, whether it is at an NCAA D1 program as did Matt Hermes, or at an excellent school at the NCAA D2, NCAA D3 or one of the NAIA levels. However, it could not have been accomplished without a total commitment to a goal, Matt's outstanding work ethic, and the unqualified support of Matt's father Mike Hermes.

The Hermes are a hard working, normal middle class family from suburban Chicago. They are not wealthy, nor were they poor. However, they wanted to give Matt a chance to live his dream. They encouraged Matt and supported it financially for an entire year. In a way, it was an investment, one that paid off handsomely, as Matt earned a full NCAA D1 basketball scholarship for 3 years at IUPUI.

Matt had attended Drake as a walk on for a year prior to his training in Southern California. The cost of school at Drake was close to $30,000 for the year. In the end, their investment in Matt was a fraction of the $90,000 they saved when Matt was given a total basketball scholarship to IUPUI.

Matt not only became a starter at IUPUI, but as a senior he 7 games scoring over 20 points and was arguably their best player. He had a wonderful career at IUPUI. With Indianapolis a short drive from Chicago, the entire family was able to make most of Matt's college games. He had several 28 point games vs. well regarded Valporiso University for example.

Matt was a wonderful guest in our home that year. He liked Southern California so well, he has moved out here and is working in Orange County, and recently came over for dinner. Matt is not only one of my wife's favorites, but also that of Hank, the family golden retriever. He got a big hug from them both and some of Jane's southern fried chicken. We are not sure which he missed most, Jane, Hank or Jane's southern fried chicken.

Matt is also one of Marv Marinovich's personal favorites. His work ethic with Marv is legendary. It was no accident Matt was successful and got to live his dream. All of here at BWBA are very proud of this outstanding young man.