FlyerHoops had the honor to speak with 2014 Dayton Flyers graduate Vee Sanford. Mr. Sanford hit arguably the biggest shot in UD history when he sent the Flyers past Ohio State and on an memorable Elite Eight run in his senior season. FlyerHoops presents Catchin' Up with Vee Sanford.
FlyerHoops: Where are you located now and who you playing for?
Vee Sanford: I’m back home with my fiancé in Nice France. But I am playing for CSP Limoges in the French league.
FH: At what point in the season were you guys at when the virus hit? How were you playing and what kind of numbers were you putting up?
VS: The end of February early March, and my team was top 8 in the league which is the playoff position. I’ve been injured throughout most of the year with a torn abductor and quad. So I was just beginning to get my rhythm then the virus hit. But I was playing solid, averaging 10.3 points in the French league and 14 points in the Euro Cup.
FH: Did you get married? I think you were engaged when I talked to you at the TBT.
VS: We will have a private wedding in July, just to gain our legal bonds. Our official “wedding” will be held next summer though, for family and friends. We are expecting our first child, he shall be here between the next week or two.
FH: How are the fans in France?
VS: I play for arguably the most historic club in France the fans here hold a lot of passion and pride for Limoges, they are pretty intense here.
FH: When’s the last time you got back to UD Arena?
VS: It’s been a while since I’ve been inside, but I took my fiancé to the campus this past summer and showed her the arena from afar.
FH: I, as a fan, often go back and watch your shot. Maybe it's me and living in Columbus, but probably my favorite moment ever covering this team in the 22 years I've been doing so. How often do people talk to you about that shot? Do you ever go back and watch it?
VS: Friends and family talk to me about it, especially around this time. It was a great moment for the university along with myself, a very special and sentimental time. I do occasionally watch it, not as much as I have before. But during March or tournament time I like to replay the memory.
FH: You transferred from Georgetown when Coach Miller got the job. What impact did Coach Miller have on your life?
VS: Arch taught me, along with the other guys on the team, to never be satisfied. He taught us never to be complacent.
FH: Do you stay in touch with Coach Miller at all and when is the last time you spoke (any details you wouldn't mind sharing of that conversation)? VS: Wow, it’s been a while. Kind of hard to keep up with each other me living in France but We follow each other on Twitter I hit arch and Bill comar up a few summers ago about coming to Indiana to workout,that’s about it. But it’s one of those relationships that whenever I see him it the conversation and click won’t miss a beat.
FH: How well were you able to follow this year's team and how proud did they make you as a former UD player?
VS: I was able to follow the team through twitter and Instagram which kept me up to date. I can say I am very proud of this team and coaching staff, it’s well deserved. I just knew this year was ours to make a championship run.
FH: Do you know Coach Grant at all? And what are you thoughts on the job he is doing so far at UD?
VS: I am very familiar with Coach Grant. He recruited me when he was at VCU and got to work with him at the basketball camps a few years ago.
FH: Anything else you would like to say to the Flyer Faithful that are reading this?
VS: Stay home stay blessed and safe. It’s the most important thing with this global pandemic. It’s impacting us all throughout the world.
