Now the work begins
Coach Jim Boylen did everything right on his first day as the new coach.
Easily and passionately referenced student fans and local landmarks (he cited hotels, restaurants and ski areas, and said he used to walk across downtown for NBA summer league games), casually mentioned his relationships with legendary coaches and players (he joked about ordering Chinese food for Rudy Tomjanovich, and pantomimed taking a shot while recalling Hakeem Olajuwon beating the Jazz), and promised the Holy Trinity of college basketball accomplishments - playing hard, winning games and graduating players.
Naturally, he also wore a red tie purchased by his wife - though broadcaster Bill Riley reminded me of the ominous sign that former coach Ray Giacoletti also wore a red tie purchased by his wife at his introductory press conference three years ago.
And we all know how that turned out.
Of course, on this day nobody was worrying about what might happen if Boylen doesn't live up to his resume - least of all him. Boylen at one point said "we're here for the long haul," which made me wince to think of how long a haul it will be for his young family if the Utes finish 11-19 again next year.
But the general sentiment seems to be that anybody who can tell college kids about the way he coached a particular point with Olajuwon, or about how he used to suggest a way for Clyde Drexler or Charles Barkley to do something, probably knows enough about the game to make a real difference.
It won't hurt, either, that he can flash either of his two NBA championship rings - one of which he wore during his introductory press conference, inspiring a question about whether it helps impress players.
"It helps you in recruiting, I'll tell you that," he said. "It speaks about the mountaintop, and getting to the mountaintop is what this is all about. And we're going to try to get there and get [a ring] for this hand, from Utah."
Like I said, he did everything right.
Now, the real work begins.
Easily and passionately referenced student fans and local landmarks (he cited hotels, restaurants and ski areas, and said he used to walk across downtown for NBA summer league games), casually mentioned his relationships with legendary coaches and players (he joked about ordering Chinese food for Rudy Tomjanovich, and pantomimed taking a shot while recalling Hakeem Olajuwon beating the Jazz), and promised the Holy Trinity of college basketball accomplishments - playing hard, winning games and graduating players.
Naturally, he also wore a red tie purchased by his wife - though broadcaster Bill Riley reminded me of the ominous sign that former coach Ray Giacoletti also wore a red tie purchased by his wife at his introductory press conference three years ago.
And we all know how that turned out.
Of course, on this day nobody was worrying about what might happen if Boylen doesn't live up to his resume - least of all him. Boylen at one point said "we're here for the long haul," which made me wince to think of how long a haul it will be for his young family if the Utes finish 11-19 again next year.
But the general sentiment seems to be that anybody who can tell college kids about the way he coached a particular point with Olajuwon, or about how he used to suggest a way for Clyde Drexler or Charles Barkley to do something, probably knows enough about the game to make a real difference.
It won't hurt, either, that he can flash either of his two NBA championship rings - one of which he wore during his introductory press conference, inspiring a question about whether it helps impress players.
"It helps you in recruiting, I'll tell you that," he said. "It speaks about the mountaintop, and getting to the mountaintop is what this is all about. And we're going to try to get there and get [a ring] for this hand, from Utah."
Like I said, he did everything right.
Now, the real work begins.
posted by www.sltrib.com @ 7:39 PM |
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