Coaches have many perimeters that they rigorously follow while choosing their prospects, but not many would say that having breakfast from a certain chain of restaurants falls under one of them. However, for Troy Trojans’ head coach Scott Cross, that is exactly what matters the most.
As his team gears up for a March Madness showdown against Kentucky, Cross shares his quirky recruiting tactic that stole the spotlight.
Troy Trojans’ Head Coach Scott Cross Waffle House Litmus Test
Coach Scott Cross has a unique way of sizing up talent. It’s not just about jump shots or rebounds. He also wants to know, do you love Waffle House? He shared the story with Kentucky Sports Radio ahead of Troy’s NCAA Tournament clash with the Wildcats on Friday in Milwaukee.
NEW: Troy head coach Scott Cross explains to KSR+ why he only recruits players that like Waffle House.
“We offhand ask them, do you like Waffle House? If the answer is yes, we sign them. If it’s no, we never get them.”
STORY: https://t.co/zWIMALgpaB pic.twitter.com/kCs6YcfuYP
— Jacob Polacheck (@PolacheckKSR) March 18, 2025
Early in his tenure, Cross took two recruits past the diner. He casually asked if they’d like to grab breakfast there. Their response? A firm “Hell nah.” Cross didn’t push it. They ate elsewhere. Neither player ended up signing with Troy.
Then came Nick Stampley’s visit in 2019. Cross didn’t even mention Waffle House this time. As they drove by, Stampley said on his own, “Oh Coach, y’all got a Waffle House here? Can we go tomorrow?” That enthusiasm sealed the deal for Cross.
Stampley became Troy’s first signee under Cross and one of the grittiest players the coach ever mentored. From then on, the question became a filter. A “yes” to Waffle House often meant a spot on the roster. A “no” usually meant no offer.
Cross swears by it. His waffle-loving Trojans finished 23-10 this season. They punched their ticket to the big shot by winning the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.
Now, as the No. 14 seed, they’re set to face the No. 3 Kentucky Wildcats in the first round. It’s just their third NCAA Tournament appearance ever. And Cross’s Waffle house devotion might be the secret sauce behind their rise.
Although it seems a fluke at first, it works. Cross isn’t just building a roster; he’s curating a family, and family needs something to bond over. For him, it is the Waffle House. Players who vibe with hash browns tend to fit his mold and sit well with the team. Others who scoff at the idea will likely form a crack in the family. It’s simple but effective.
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Will it translate to an upset in Milwaukee? Kentucky’s a powerhouse, but Troy’s got grit and maybe a post-game Waffle House run in mind. Win or lose, Cross’s method is one of the many great additions to the March Madness lore.
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