New Coach Comes With Great Reputation
Needless to say, it has been a busy day with the news that the Utes plan to hire Jim Boylen as the next coach.
But there is time for a brief note on the hiring.
While Boylen has a reputation as a strong strategic coach with deep roots working with some of the best players in the world in the NBA, it should also encourage fans to know that he is apparently one of the most gracious and delightful coaches they could ever hope to land.
You cannot have a conversation about Boylen with anybody even remotely connected to him or the Michigan State program in which he works - and believe me, I have had my share - without hearing what a wonderful guy he is and how people in Utah will be thrilled to have him.
One reporter who covers the Spartans even told me: "You definitely want Jim Boylen."
Of course, that might not mean a whole lot. Former coach Ray Giacoletti was a great guy, too, if maybe a little sheepish in public, and all it got him was a fast ride out of town after two disappointing seasons. But if Boylen's basketball chops live up to his reputation as a person - cultivated in the open and accessible regime of head coach Tom Izzo at MSU - the Utes should be in fine shape for the foreseeable future.
But there is time for a brief note on the hiring.
While Boylen has a reputation as a strong strategic coach with deep roots working with some of the best players in the world in the NBA, it should also encourage fans to know that he is apparently one of the most gracious and delightful coaches they could ever hope to land.
You cannot have a conversation about Boylen with anybody even remotely connected to him or the Michigan State program in which he works - and believe me, I have had my share - without hearing what a wonderful guy he is and how people in Utah will be thrilled to have him.
One reporter who covers the Spartans even told me: "You definitely want Jim Boylen."
Of course, that might not mean a whole lot. Former coach Ray Giacoletti was a great guy, too, if maybe a little sheepish in public, and all it got him was a fast ride out of town after two disappointing seasons. But if Boylen's basketball chops live up to his reputation as a person - cultivated in the open and accessible regime of head coach Tom Izzo at MSU - the Utes should be in fine shape for the foreseeable future.
posted by www.sltrib.com @ 2:44 PM |
1 Comments:
Jimmy, we hardly knew ye!
But actually, I've known your coach for years dating back to the days when he was running around on a high school court. I personally thought he'd wait for a good job in the league, but Utah must've bellied up with a great offer.
Know this: Boylen believes in effort and is a no-nonsense guy. Tell your players to get in shape and be ready to put their fannies close to the floor when the other team has the ball. Michigan State had a foregttable crew of players this year, yet beat Texas and Wisconsin and could've dumped Ohio State twice. Izzo's about rebounding and defense, as is Boylen. Well done, Utes!
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