The countdown to the 509 Classic is on, and legendary broadcaster Neil Everett sits down with Eastern Washington Head Coach Dan Monson for an incredible conversation about basketball, homecomings, rivalry energy, and the deep roots both men share in the 509.
The full video interview is now live on YouTube — watch it here:
👉 https://youtu.be/9FzYbqO4wqo
Returning to His Roots
Monson’s ties to the region run generations deep, and he opens the interview by joking that Cheney isn’t the problem — the opponents are. He shares how special it feels to coach so close to where he started life:
“I was born at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane while my dad was the head coach of the Cheney Blackhawks… Cheney’s just coming back home for an old man like me.”
Monson reflects on his father, the legendary coach Don Monson, whose career shaped the family’s multi-decade connection to the Inland Northwest. Their journey touched nearly every corner of the 509 and 208.
“If you throw the 208 in there with Moscow, it’s been basically my dad and I’s life… that’s where we started and that’s where we ended.”
His Father’s Best Advice
Everett asks Monson about the most memorable coaching wisdom his dad ever shared. Monson grins and gives an answer only a coach’s kid could deliver:
“Winning is way better than losing.”
Simple. True. And a mantra Monson clearly lives by.
He also talks about the challenge of balancing parental wisdom with respecting the work done in the “bunker” with his assistants — and how his dad always knew when to lean in and when to back off.
The WSU–EWU Rivalry: “By Law or by Blood”
When Everett asks if growing up in Idaho meant you had to hate Washington State, Monson doesn’t hesitate:
“If it wasn’t by law, it was by blood… that’s a compliment to Washington State.”
He explains how WSU’s success during his father’s Idaho years made them the primary obstacle on the path to elevating the Vandals — and how that dynamic feels familiar now as he prepares to take on the Cougars in Spokane.
Where EWU Needs to Grow
Monson gives a straightforward assessment of his team:
“Our offense is way ahead of our defense… if we don’t get better defensively, we’re not going to have much success.”
He notes that the Eagles’ best defensive game and best defensive practice both happened within the last week — momentum he hopes carries into the 509 Classic.
He even revisits a line from last year after facing WSU:
“If we were the United States military, we were going to be speaking Chinese in about two weeks.”
Classic Coach Monson.
Players to Watch: Isaiah Moses & JoJo Andersen
Monson lights up when talking about Isaiah Moses, currently the Big Sky’s second-leading scorer:
“He’s a true point guard… he’s got that chip on his shoulder… reminds me of Quentin Hall.”
With elite shooting splits (90/50/40), Moses is shaping up to be one of the must-see players of the 509 Classic.
Monson also shares what it means to have local product JoJo Andersen representing Spokane on the Eastern roster:
“It’s pretty cool when you can have guys represent their area… JoJo has been not just a good basketball player for us, but a really good leader and captain.”
What the 509 Classic Means for EWU
Monson is fired up about what this event represents — for Spokane, for Eastern, and for college basketball in the Inland Northwest.
“Anytime you get to play a Power 5 school when you’re a mid-major, it elevates your program… this is a game everybody in the 509 is familiar with.”
He also applauds WSU for agreeing to the matchup — something not every big program is willing to do.
And for fans? The stakes go beyond basketball.
A Few Laughs, a Few Memories, and a Whole Lot of Heart
Everett and Monson end the interview reminiscing about their fathers, their first meeting at the Inland Empire Hall of Fame, and Spokane staples like Dick’s Hamburgers, Texas Roadhouse rolls, and The Shack.
Monson jokes about one more Spokane institution:
Everett: “I’ll see you at Jack and Dan’s after the game.”
Monson: “Can you give me directions to that place? I’m not sure I remember where that is.”
Classic.
Watch the Full Interview
Don’t miss the full 20-minute conversation — it’s everything we love about sports in the 509: community, rivalry, history, humor, and heart.
👉 Watch here: https://youtu.be/9FzYbqO4wqo
Get Your Eagle Seats for the 509 Classic
EWU fans: this is your night.
🎟️ Buy your tickets now at 509Classic.com
🔥 $10 from every ticket purchased through the Eagles link goes directly to EWU student-athlete NIL support.
Be loud. Be proud. Be there on December 17 at the Numerica Veterans Memorial Arena.
