Coaches Week

In my final post for my tribute to coaches the last 10 days I would like to thank those of you that participated in the comments. Today I will be posting on a personal note. I will be posting the 4 coaches that had a great influence on me during my playing days in sports. Most of you might not be interested but in honor of Coaches Week, I must put these 4 great men on my blog. Enjoy!

Rich Cotrona (basketball 1987-1990) - I started playing youth basketball at a younger age, so when it was time for my third season of instructional basketball over at the Meriden Boys Club, my father thought that it would be best to play up a year. For 3 seasons at the Junior Varsity level, Rich Cotrona was my coach and he taught me how to be a point guard that can control the entire game. I really grew as a basketball player with him showing me the ropes. He made me understand how important my position was on the floor and the game was in my control. Little did I know that my future "brother from another" would end be on my team my second season with coach Cotrona. And you can ask anybody at that time or maybe just me, but me and Rob Dow were the Shaq and Kobe of the city our final year in Junior Varsity, which (sorry Pitbull) brought home a city title after a terrible season a year ago. During that title game, I was playing awful. But coach told me late in the game to shoot the ball if I am open, which led to me hitting the game winner with 7 seconds remaining. Cotrona was a major factor for me and Rob as basketball players and I will never forget the time he was our coach.

Ralph Carey (soccer 1990-1991) - Though I never got a chance to play baseball for this legendary Little League coach, he was very influential for 2 seasons as a soccer coach at the Varsity Level in the city's youth league. Ralph, never Mr. Carey, knew how to get the best out of me on the field and it certainly worked. I never in my life scored more goals in a two-year stretch than when Ralph was my coach. Winning was everything to Ralph, but what was more important was how you won. For two seasons he took us to two semi-final appearances with mostly baseball players on his team. What he was great about was giving us pain. He use to bring is son, who was huge, to punt the balls to us in which we had to head or chest...or else. Long term it was good for us. One thing I do remember besides the two heartbreaking semi-final losses was, my last year with him he told me to eat a steak before the game to give me a hungry edge. I thought that the man was nutz, well I did it! And scored 4 goals in that game. Ralph is no longer with us and I can probably speak for everybody that has played for Ralph that we are all privileged and were better players for having him.

Pete Daniels (baseball 1994-1995) - No coach, including my father, drove me harder than Coach Daniels. When coach really became my mentor my sophomore season, I had a dislike for the game something that had never happened. He made me love the game again, and showed me how great this game is as well as how good I could be. Even though I will give most of my credit to my father after a sub par sophomore season, Daniels was really my driving force. Man did he work me in practice, he gave me "balls" so to speak. He loved my swing and gave me confidence that I could hit anybody at anytime. This really made me, probably the only one, to be successful against the Maloney and Platt baseball programs every game. If he ever saw me try to do too much at the plate he would see it right away and correct it. Daniels really was instrumental for Wilcox Tech winning the CVTC Conference title in 1995 something that hadn't happened for a very long time, and me personally as I was a 1st team All-Conference secondbasemen. Though I could have killed him after he called me to tell me that he was not returning for my senior season, he was the one that made me love the game again and stayed in touch with me my final season which led to being the Conference MVP. One story I would love to tell...one game my soph. season I made an error at second he was yelling at me to keep my head in the game. I waved my hand at him like, "I got it, leave me alone." Well at the end of the inning, he beat me to the foul line and continued to yell in my face for showing him up which led to me getting soaked in tobacco juice. Never did that again!

Dennis Redican Sr. (soccer 1985-89, 1995 - baseball birth) - I kid him all the time for this, but this man was my general while he was my coach, and I had to do everything he asked no matter what. But, I can honestly say that I was the smallest/do everything kid in sports because of him. He taught me that my heart has to be bigger than any opponent, in any sport, no matter what. I can talk all day about this man but I am sure that most of you already know how influential he was to me growing as a player. So instead let's get into some stories.

In baseball, he was coaching me even when he wasn't my coach. Countless hours of time spent after his practices, grew me as a ball player.

Every time he took me out of the game in little league as a pitcher it felt like I disappointed him and I would cry, it was pathetic.

My last season in little league as a 12-year old he forced me into being a catcher, which I hated. But it ended up me being one of the best in the league and I remember not making the All-Star team that season. The playoffs began and the all-star team was practicing and during our practice he continued to yell loud enough for the all-stars to hear how great I was doing behind the plate.

In soccer my senior year at Wilcox, I thought coaching high school was out of his league but it led to us finishing a tie away from making the state tournament because of his countless hours learning the game by reading or watching videos.

Him spitting while yelling at us in practice which cause me and Rob to start laughing.

And of course, i received a yellow card during a game and I went to the sidelines to which he asked what I did and I told him that I swore at the ref. So he said,

"Well you sit for ten minutes and think about what you did!" Ahh memories! Love ya pops!

Coaches Week

This week I am doing a tribute to coaches all week long, maybe two weeks, in honor of my father who, last Friday, coached his final game in Meriden on the basketball court at Maloney High School. I am going to make up posts as I go, whether it is my favorite coaches of all time, the best coaches, worst coaches, etc. This will be the final two posts for Coaches Week on The Nutz. Part 1 today will consist of my Mt. Rushmore of favorite coaches of all-time, college ranks or professionally. In part 2 tomorrow I will give you my personal Mt. Rushmore coaches that influenced me during my days as an athlete. But first on to my favorite coaches of all-time. Enjoy!

Lou Holtz - Holtz is the only coach in NCAA history to lead six different programs to bowl games and the only coach to guide four different programs to the final top 20 rankings. Specifically I am talking about the guy that spent 10 years with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Though, I didn't really become a Michigan fan until the late 80s early 90s, I was somewhat forced to watch Notre Dame on Saturday afternoons. I loved watching this scrawny coach grab the face masks of players three times his size.Between 1988 and 1993, Holtz's teams posted an overall 64–9–1 record. He also took the Irish to bowl games for nine consecutive seasons, still a Notre Dame record, and has referred to Notre Dame football as the "Michelangelo" of the NCAA. He was definitely an original on the sidelines during his coaching days.

Bobby Knight - Putting all of his antics aside, the man always got the most out of his players. "The General" on the court has always been someone I looked up to as a coach in basketball. This 3-time National Champion coach is currently the all-time leader in wins at the Division I level. Knight has been praised for running clean programs (none of his teams have ever been sanctioned by the NCAA for recruiting violations) and graduating most of his players throughout his coaching career, which for the most part has gone unnoticed. No Division I men's team has had an undefeated season including a championship since coach Knight's 1976 team that went 32-0. Knight is one of only three coaches to win NCAA, NIT, and Olympic championships.

Lou Piniella - If your a player on a baseball team, in my opinion there is no coach that you want in your corner more than "Sweet Lou". Piniella has coached 5 ball clubs during his Major League career and presently ranks 14th all-time on the Coaching wins list. He also has won a World Series title with the Reds back in 1990 and has brought home 3 Manager of the Year Awards (2 in the AL). His passion for the game goes without saying. What stands out to me with Piniella is his non-patience for pitchers that don't throw strikes. Something that we as coaches can all relate to. Lou is from the old school and if he ever felt that his team is getting jobbed, he would back them no matter what. Even if that meant him acting like a fool on the field. My first time being tossed out of the game resulted me in kicking dirt on the home plate. My grandfather found out and continued to call me "Lou" from that point on during my coaching career.

Joe Gibbs - Did you think I would leave him off my list? This humble coach had a work ethic that every coach at the professional level should have. Joe Gibbs has put together championship teams with many players who have had mediocre to average careers while playing for other NFL teams. He also had a knack for finding the right guys in the late rounds that would be instrumental in the success of the Redskins. 3-1 in 4 Super Bowl appearances, Gibbs is the ultimate winner even though his coaching legacy took a big hit upon his return to the nation's capitol after a twelve year layoff. Overall, during his 16 years with the team, Gibbs had only three losing seasons and led the team to 10 playoff appearances. He finished his career with a 17-7 playoff record all while head coach of the 'skins.

The 1st Annual Deezs

I can't get into much detail over all the winners and losers of last night's Academy Awards because the fact is that I haven't seen many of the nominees of the top films. So I would be totally out of line if I said that Sean Penn definitely didn't deserve the Oscar for Actor in a Leading Role for his role in Milk. But, I don't think that I am out of line when I say, "When is Comedy going to get some love?". Well here at The Nutz we love comedies, in fact there is nothing better than a good comedy. So without further ado, here are The Deezs for movie comedies in the 2008 movie season. Enjoy!

Best Supporting Actor

Robert Downey Jr. - Tropic Thunder

Tom Cruise - Tropic Thunder

Justin Timberlake - The Love Guru

Jon Turturro - You Don't Mess With Zohan

Russell Brand - Forgetting Sarah Marshall

WINNER - TOM CRUISE

Best Supporting Actress

Mary Steenburgen - Step Brothers

Mo'Nique - Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins

Rosie Perez - PineApple Express

Lizzy Caplan - My Best Friend's Girl

Tilda Swinton - Burn After Reading

WINNER - MO'NIQUE

Best Actress

Frances McDormand - Burn After Reading

Kristen Bell - Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Cameron Diaz - What Happens in Vegas...

Anne Hathaway - Get Smart

Jessica Alba - The Love Guru

WINNER - FRANCES MCDORMAND

Best Actor

Adam Sandler - You Don't Mess With Zohan

Jim Carrey - Yes Man

Will Ferrell - Step Brothers

John C. Reilly - Step Brothers

Jason Segal - Forgetting Sarah Marshall

WINNER - JOHN C. REILLY

Best Picture

Step Brothers

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Burn After Reading

In Bruges

Tropic Thunder

WINNER - STEP BROTHERS

College Baseball Preview

Can you believe that baseball season is officially here? I have already attended 2 high school baseball games this past week, and last night the College Baseball season began. It really doesn't feel like baseball weather, but who cares! I wish that College Baseball got more television love, so the rest of you can enjoy college baseball as much as me. The Big 12 is loaded this season while a familiar face looks to finally get off the hump and win a NCAA title. Here is a look at my top 10 teams this season and for my enjoyment only, you are all fortunate to receive my College World Series picks. The proclaimed Seth Davis of college baseball is here, enjoy!

1) North Carolina - Finishing as a runner up, runner up, and third in the previous 3 seasons really sucks, but the Tarheels are loaded again for another title run. With pitching studs Alex White, Adam Warren, and super soph Matt Harvey lead the nations deepest staff.

2) LSU - The Tigers are returning 7 position starters from a CWS team a year ago, including future 1st round picks OF Jared Mitchell, SS D.J. LeMahieu, and OF Blake Dean.

3) Texas A&M - The loss of 5 starters won't hurt an Aggies team that is absolutely loaded with pitching this season, starting with Clayton Ehiert.

4) Cal State Fullerton - Defense, bunting, and timely hitting is what makes Cal State go. Another lock in my opinion for a CWS appearance.

5) Rice - The Owls are by far the deepest team in college baseball. Loaded with talent they were able to move their All-American 3B Diego Seastrunk to catcher.

6) Texas - The Big 12 has been really stepping it up the past 5 years. But, we will have to wait on the Longhorns with head coach Augie Garrido's suspension after a DUI is over.

7) Georgia - The 2008 runner ups have lost All-Americans Gordon Beckham and Josh Fields but are primed for another CWS appearance with (remember this name) freshman Colby May.

8) Arizona St. - Should be a lock to win the Pac-10 this season with a pitching rotation relying heavily on Mike Leake who posted 11 wins last season.

9) Mississippi - Last year's favorites didn't fair to well in the tournament, but they were fortunate to get All American closer Scott Bittle and his 1.78 ERA back.

10) Stanford - The Cardinals won't surprise many like they did last season making it to the CWS. The return of 9 key players looks like the Cardinals are back to being a top notch program.

CWS Predictions

North Carolina

Baylor

Rice

Cal State Fullerton

Stanford

LSU

Texas A&M

Florida State

Championship

North Carolina vs. Texas A&M

CHAMPS

TARHEELS

Coaches Week

This week I am doing a tribute to coaches all week long, maybe two weeks, in honor of my father who, last Friday, coached his final game in Meriden on the basketball court at Maloney High School. I am going to make up posts as I go, whether it is my favorite coaches of all time, the best coaches, worst coaches, etc. Today, I would like to do a little piece on why it is so difficult on coaches to lose. Enjoy!

The other night while I was in and out of a much deserved nap during Sportcenter, I saw an interview that had coach and former coach Mike Krzyzewski and Bobby Knight. Coach K talked about how difficult it was to lose a game. He said the lack of sleep, not eating, and the ultimate feeling of being defeated is something that you just can't get use to. Then not even an hour later, Coach Knight was doing the Duke/St. Johns game and then was asked by Brent Musburger, "Coach what was the best win in your coaching career." With that Coach Knight replies, "I can't really pick out a best win, but I can tell you what my worst loss was." Why is it so important and so hard on coaches to win and more so, so difficult to lose? I'll explain.

First things first with two high profile coaches like Coach K and Coach Knight, at the college level you have to win or you will lose your job, period. So when you think that you have prepared your team to the best of your knowledge and you lose the game, I can very much understand. At the high school level, I believe that your ultimate goal as a coach is to win, but also you are teaching your players not only the game but discipline. But back to the topic at hand. Losing is part of life, but not for a coach. You can never, ever get use to losing on the court, field, etc. Winning builds a positive character while losing does the opposite. And as a coach you never want to make your players think that it is ok to lose, because it is not! Here are some famous lines that you probably remember that cannot get any truer.

"Winning is everything and nothing else matters."
"You play to win the game!"

The first one was taken from the movie We Are Marshall and of course the second being from former coach Herm Edwards. When you get your team prepared for battle and those quotes are instilled into your players before the game, you will lose. And as a coach that is entirely unacceptable. Because when you are doing everything in your power to be victorious, it means nothing if your kids just don't have it in them. While I was coaching freshmen high school basketball we were winning at the beginning of the season which was nice because my team was doing everything that I ask of them. By mid-season they thought that they knew it all and came into games not prepared to win, they came to play but not to win, if you can understand that analogy. As a coach that is unacceptable and you will pay! Now when your team loses a close game and you know that you got the most out of them that day/night, then that can drive you insane. All we ask as coaches is to go out there and give us your best and ...

"In my book your going to be winners!"

That's it. Finally, why do we as coaches dwell on the loses. I have no idea why we can't get them out of our heads. It so pathetic. I still remember the year my cousin and I took a Mickey Mantle team to upstate New York for the Regional Finals. We went 30-3 that summer before the tournament and got eliminated in the semi finals. I can't for the life of me remember a single win in that tournament, but I do remember both losses very well. I can honestly tell you that I might have slept a total of 4 hours the next two days, constantly thinking about what we could have done for us not to get eliminated. Sad but true, freshmen basketball I was the same way. I couldn't sleep for anything if we pulled a loss. I would even go as far as watching the game on video as soon as I got home from the varsity game.

You have to have serious issues to want to be a coach. I guess that's why most of us do it. Losing makes you want to be better so you don't have to have that feeling of being defeated. Because, you will always be remembered for winning not for coming in second. And if your the one who comes in second, you most definitely will be the only one to remember!

Deez' College Basketball Power Rankings

Haven't done this since last season. And since some bloggers believe that we can start Bubble Watching already we at The Nutz believe it is more important now who we think are the best in the nation. So without further ado, here's the 1st edition of Deez' Power Rankings for the '08-'09 College Basketball Season.

1) North Carolina - I still believe that no team in the nation is deeper or faster than UNC.

2) Oklahoma - In my opinion the National Player of the Year will not let his team fold in March.

3) Pittsburgh - When this team is running on all cylinders they are very, very dangerous.

4) Uconn - They are still pretty good without Jerome Dyson on the floor.

5) Clemson - You won't see this team lose a 1st round game this season in the tournament.

6) Memphis - Say what you want about their conference, but their victory at Gonzaga was impressive.

7) Duke - Same Duke team from the past, but will the end result be the same as usual.

8) Louisville - I absolutely love the way this team plays when they win, when they lose it is awful to watch.

9) Villanova - The most under appreciated 4 loss team in the nation as usual, Coach Wright is a genius.

10) Michigan St. - Even with the loss to Purdue last night, I love this teams chances at the Elite Eight.

11) Wake Forest - In order to prevent something disastrous, the Deacons need a victory soon.

12) UCLA - You might all think that I am Nutz but I think that this team still hasn't peaked yet.

13) Marquette - the wins verses St. Johns and Seton Hall will hopefully build some confidence after 2 straight losses, tough schedule coming.

14) Arizona St. - If sweeping UCLA wasn't enough, James Harden is showing signs of being a great passer.

15) Purdue - My favorite team this pre season is final playing some basketball. They looked great last night.

16) Butler - Write it down on your scheduler, Davidson/Butler Saturday. Bracketbusters?

17) Missouri - 3 weeks ago I did not think that it was possible for another Big 12 team to show me something.

18) Utah St. - You might think that I don't know what I am talking about when it comes to Mid-Majors, watch them on Sat.

19) Gonzaga - Is this finally going to be the Gonzaga team that makes it to the Final Four, still very unsure.

20) Xavier - Just when the Musketeers start to impress me, they go out and lose two straight A-10 games.

Video of the Week

Damn Johnny, what A-Rod did must have been really bad. I mean, murder is the only thing that is considered to be worse? You have seriously smoked yourself retarded! Funniest thing I have heard in a long time is listening to Damon talk.

Coaches Week

This week I am doing a tribute to coaches all week long, maybe two weeks, in honor of my father who, last Friday, coached his final game in Meriden on the basketball court at Maloney High School. I am going to make up posts as I go, whether it is my favorite coaches of all time, the best coaches, worst coaches, etc. Today, I want to get into coaches that I never got a chance to play for during my playing days. Enjoy!

Rich Katz - The former head baseball coach at Platt High School was a huge influence on my achievements on the baseball diamond. Technically Coach Katz was coaching me up until I started playing for his neighboring school over at Wilcox Tech. If I had it my way, I would have ended up attending Platt just so that I could play baseball for him. I had been apart of the Platt program since the age of 12, and as a youth he would take his time, even during his teams practices to show me the way the game is to be played. He was an ultimate genius on the field and knew more about hitting the baseball than any man I ever knew. He won a State Championship back in 1986 with all state player and my former coach, Pete Daniels. With my father going up into the Platt Baseball program I got a chance to see many great players come through the program up close. And they will probably all tell you that as freshman growing as a baseball player to their senior season, their is nobody that they could credit more than the teaching and coaching of Coach Katz.

Rob Symaszek - My brother The Toe, could probably talk all day about the influence Coach Symaszek had on him after only one year as coach. Though i never did play football in my life, which is one of the biggest regrets I have, I heard enough to go back in time and get a chance to play for this late legendary coach. He never one the elusive State Title but had some very talented teams to win one. Many of his players went on to great things and continued their playing careers because of his ultimate regard for his players, current or past. I remember Coach Symaszek coming to my school as an eighth grader to the recruiting bid for Maloney. He saw my name and pulled me aside and asked, "Redican...aren't you an athlete, why are you going to Wilcox?" That has always stuck with me. Also, when he sat down with my family during The Toe's playing days at Sacred Heart University. He was a great man and definitely in the mix as one of the coaches I would have wanted to play for.

Edward Zajac - For my freshman and sophomore season on the baseball diamond there was nobody more legendary around Meriden than Coach Zajac. So much so that the Maloney High School baseball field is named after him. Coach Zaj, known by his players, was a hard nosed, old school baseball guy that never wanted to hear excuses nor did he care about why you made a mistake on the field. In 1992, he was voted by the CIAC as Baseball Coach of the Year. On a personal note, I got a chance to know Coach Zajac more after baseball was over, but after a game my sophomore season in which we were defeated by about 3 touchdowns, my coach at the time Coach Daniels was having a talk with Coach Zajac while the team we exchanging the "good game" ritual. I went 1-3 that day, and Coach Zajac stopped his conversation with my coach and grabbed me while I was walking to the bench to tell me that I had a great game. I was the only one he did that to on our team that day, and it really felt good to here that from a man of his stature. Today he is not at all the same man, as many can attest to, but I think that I could have handled playing for him growing up and would have enjoyed it.


Also, my father had an article in todays paper. If you are interested here is the link:

Coach Redican

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today marks a busy day in Birthdays. With this being a mostly sports blog, I will keep it that way. But here are a couple of people who share the same birthday today.


Jim Brown - 74

Rene Russo - 55

Michael Jordan - 46

Bryan Cox - 41

Levon Kirkland - 40

Denise Richards - 38

Drew Barry - 36

Jeff "Chops" Gagne - 30

Al Harrington - 29

Paris Hilton - 28

And of course today marks the birthday of my mother, Suzanne. Keeping with the sports theme my mother was a part of a Maloney High School State Championship team during her years at Maloney on the volleyball team. Other than that, all I know about my mother in sports is that she has a refined love for baseball, given to her from her father. She played MASA Softball for a number of years while I was younger. In which she always found a way to come home with numerous amounts of bruises all over her body. For most of her that know her best, she is most famous for knowing the rules of basketball to a tee. It took some adjusting but when we were growing up and the 5 second call in the lane changed to 3 seconds...well, it was safe to say that the officials new she was in the stands. All of her kids loved the support of our mother, since she rarely ever missed one of our games. We just all wished she was a little more quiet during them.

Love ya Mom, Happy Birthday!

Coaches Week

This week I am doing a tribute to coaches all week long, maybe two weeks, in honor of my father who, last Friday, coached his final game in Meriden on the basketball court at Maloney High School. I am going to make up posts as I go, whether it is my favorite coaches of all time, the best coaches, worst coaches, etc. Today, finding good coaches at the high school level is hard to find, let alone keep them around. I am going to discuss some topics regarding the state of coaching in America. Enjoy!

Up until recently I have been coaching since I got out of high school. I still get asked today if I would like to help out some teams in my area, being the high school or little league, but I don't have the time or the patience do it at this point of my life right now. I would love to, don't get me wrong, but there are other things that are more important right now. Which is sad for most of you that know me, and have seen me in action on the sidelines or in the dugouts and have seen my passion for coaching. But, problems have arrived throughout my coaching career and it really all starts with finding someone to back you up with your decision making.

From day one as a coach you are going to be scrutinized for every little decision you make, no matter the outcome. And more often than not you will get back stabbed more so than getting a pat on the back. This goes from anybody, from the school, the board for the team, and of course, how can I forget the parents. If a coach has confidence in his supporting cast, and knows that whatever his decisions are they will back him up totally his job would be ten times easier. But this is never, ever the case. Unless you have a program where you win every year, and even then sometimes it's never enough. I have been underminded, fired, and let go by many programs because I never had the support of the ones running the teams I spent endless hours on making sure we have the best chance to win with. Why would anyone want to coach especially with the way the parents are today? High school coaches don't get paid enough to put up with the crap they get from the kid's parents on a weekly basis. This brings me to my next topic...

Parents Suck! I am sorry but this is true. For a coach there is nothing worse than when a parent tries to take over your program. Second guesses your every decision. And goes home to tell his or her kid not to listen to you because you don't know what you are doing. Honestly folks a coach got the job for a reason, if you think that you could do a better job by all means take over so I can complain about you. No, you don't have the guts to be on that wall and take the heat that coaches get week in and week out. You would rather sit in the bleachers and complain about me and say to yourself, "I could coach this team." I am all for somebody helping me out, trying to critique my coaching, but not from a parent, keep your distance. Stay on the bleachers or in your lounge chairs, keep your comments to yourself and cheer for your kid. Support the program that your kid plays for. Because in all honesty, your the reason why my program is not successful, it's not me! I f'n hate parents!

You want to know why there are no good coaches out there anymore? It is just not worth it! The time spent is not worth the money that you receive. Now, coaching kids and getting the most out of them and making them into respectable human beings is the ultimate award you can get as a coach. But, I can remember while I was coaching basketball at my alma mater Wilcox Tech, the countless hours I spent in the gym, the sleepless nights, the nights going to scout other teams, the nights going through video tape. I am not the only one that does this people. All in all after the season comes to a close you probably end up making about a dollar a hour for your services. NICE! This past week, the state of Florida is in such an economic crisis that some counties are actually petitioning the removal of paying high school coaches. WHAT? Hey, if they want to do that then, you would have to promise me the support of the city, school, board, colleagues, and parents every year, every month, every week, and every day while I am not getting paid to coach a sport for a season, no matter what. The highest paid coach in my county is the 6A school's football coach in my town. Six-thousand dollar a year job. Still not worth it, because in my city you are "secretly" aloud to recruit kids to come to the powerhouse school in town. A 24-7 job for 6000 a year, who in their right mind would want to do that for free? Even if your wealth exceeds you, it still isn't worth it.

What is sad to me about the situation of coaching in America is that there are some actually great people coaching youth programs that get heat from the people watching (parents) everyday. Down in Florida, where football and baseball are life, parents get way to involved and the good coaches start stepping down. The local Little League Baseball League in my town is so bad because of the lack of good coaches, and it is really sad to me. I am not in the least taking anything away from these coaches that take the time coming to the field to help out, but their knowledge of the game isn't there and it is really hurting the kids. In Connecticut, they are making it harder and harder for the high school coaches. "You can't do this", "Can't yell like that", "You need to be certified with this". Why would anyone want to coach anything anymore?

Because if you get one kid that turns around and becomes somebody great because of you, the reward can last a lifetime. Because having a group of players look at you with the passion that you have, and knowing that they know that you are going to be there every step of the way no matter the outcome of the game. Because you love the game, and you want to instill your love with the players on your team. And because you have to, and it is hard not to do something you love and were born to do!

Coaches Week

This week I am doing a tribute to coaches all week long, maybe two weeks, in honor of my father who, last Friday, coached his final game in Meriden on the basketball court at Maloney High School. I am going to make up posts as I go, whether it is my favorite coaches of all time, the best coaches, worst coaches, etc. Today, with the NBA All Star game going on in Phoenix here is a little something about coaches in the NBA All-Star Game. Enjoy!

Phil Jackson - Today Coach Jackson will be making his 4th appearance as a head coach of an all-star team ('92, '96, '00, '09). So far each year Jackson has coached an all star game his team whether being the Bulls or Lakers have won the NBA title that season. He is 2-1 all time in the all star game and is considered by many, including me, of being the best coach in NBA history. His 9 NBA titles is tied all time with Boston's Red Auerbach. Though, he has always coached arguably the game's best player at some point, Jackson is a genius on the court during playoff time.

Red Auerbach - The late great Coach Red has appeared and won the most all star games (7-4) all consecutively (1957-1967). He has been apart of 16 NBA titles with the Boston Celtic organization with 9 as coach (8 straight) and 7 as a general manager or team president. He was also instrumental in breaking the color barrier in the NBA by drafting the first African American player in Chuck Cooper. And constantly adding black players to his team throughout the years, namely Hall of Famer Bill Russell. The NBA Coach of the Year Award is named after Red.

Pat Riley - Coach Riley has the honor of being the losingest coach in all star game history. With a record of 3-6 (1982-1983, 1985-1990 & 1993), Riley is known for his showtime LA Laker teams of the '80s but I remember him best as being the New York Knicks coach. Riley is a 5-time NBA Champion as a coach with taking home 3 NBA Coach of the Year honors. Four consecutive trips to the Finals with the Lakers really put Riley on the map as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the game.

Billy Cunningham - The coach of some super talented Philadelphia 76er teams has a 4-0 record as coach of the NBA All-Star game. Cunningham built a great team featuring the likes of Bobby Jones, Maurice Cheeks, Moses Malone, and of course Julius Erving. He led Philadelphia to 3 Atlantic Division Titles in 1978, 1981, and 1983. He also reached the historic numbers of 200, 300, and 400 wins faster than any coach in the history of the game. You really don't here too much about Cunningham but he did win a NBA title back in the 1982-83 season with the Sixers and upon his retirement he was 12th on the all time wins list.

George Karl - Poor George, lifelong coach is 0-3 as an all star coach (1994, 1996 & 1998). Currently ranked 12th on the all time wins list, Karl has coached 5 different teams since 1984. Karl really has bad luck, if being winless wasn't enough in the all star game, Karl really has it bad when it comes to his teams in the postseason historically. Only 1 trip to the NBA Finals in a loss to the Bulls and currently hasn't gotten out of the 1st round of the playoffs in 5 straight seasons with the Bucks and Nuggets. He is the 12th coach in the history of the game to reach 800 wins something that he accomplished back in '06.

Video of the Week

This is what I will always remember about NBA All-Star Weekend.

Random Thoughts Today

A few things I would like to dive into today. First off for those of you that don't know, I was promoted at work a few weeks ago and my life has been all about my job since. I find myself even dreaming at night of what my day will be like in the a.m. Also, what sucks is my hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays have now changed to me working until 10:00 p.m. Luckily for me I was able to work til 9:30 and catch the end of the 1st half and the rest of the UNC/Duke game. A ton of things are on my mind as of late including what will happen this tax season. So I might drift a little today, but there are definitely some topics I would love to get into.

First off in honor of my father, who doesn't really read this blog to much anymore, next week I will be honoring him with "COACHES WEEK" here at The Nutz. My father like most of you know will be leaving Meriden for good in a few weeks, and with him being the ultimate coach in my opinion, for the city of Meriden for such a long time that I he deserves his do. So next week I will be honoring him and other coaches on the professional, college, high school, and my all-time favorites that have influenced me for the better throughout my life.

Also, coming soon I promise, will be my winners and losers on National Signing Day. I am still waiting for the #1 prospect RB Bryce Brown, who is pulling a Terrelle Pryor and still can't make up his mind where he wants to attend school in the fall. I think that it is high time the NCAA steps up and puts an end to this. Brown is likely for Miami, but all of the sudden Oregon has stepped into the mix. This is why I am waiting because if he lands in south Florida, Miami will have a very successful recruiting season, if not...you know.

I don't want to piss off my brother too much, since he finally graced The Nutz with a post yesterday, but when is Coach K going to put his pride aside. I realize he is one of the the best coaches in the game, but Coach...you can't run with the Tarheels nor can you play 3/4 man-to-man the entire game with a small bench. I realize that your man-to-man style is what makes your team go, but common. Did yo honestly think that you could defeat the Tarheels with an up and down pace. UNC will not be beaten this season if teams continue to try to beat the Tarheels at their own game. What a physical game though last night, huh? Lots of fun to watch. UNC really looked sharp last night both defensively and offensively, though. Probably because coach Roy Williams did the best job I have seen in a while at substituting his players in and out every 3 minutes. One of the top teams in the nation really put on a show last night, so did...

UCONN! I didn't get a chance to watch the game, but I think that I saw enough in the highlights. The Huskies are really going to be battle tested now that I just read the season has come to the end for Husky guard Jerome Dyson, with a torn meniscus in his right knee. Dyson seems to let the game come to him, which I absolutely love in a player. I can see kindof why some say that he is Jim Calhoun's favorite. He works hard on both ends of the court, and is second on the team in both scoring and assists. This is a tough loss to swallow for my former state...oh well shit happens I guess!

Brett Favre is gone...for good? I think so, the dude just looked extremely exhausted the final 4 weeks of the season. Say what you want about the guy, but his consecutive game streak is pretty phenomenal!

How in the world can Bud Selig punish A-Rod? When asked about it Selig should have just informed the reporter that this is why we have a testing policy now, he has no control over what the players did back in the early '00s. Let's just try to move on from this shitty situation.

For my snowbirds up north, the weather in the Sunshine State has really stepped up where I am not bothered in the least to get to work in the morning or afternoon. Mid-70s, low 80s with the warm sun has been what I have been waiting for after the worst winter in my county's history.

Ladies and gentlemen we are in the second week of February with 9 days left until the College Baseball season...The proclaimed Seth Davis of College Baseball will be appearing soon to discuss the '09 season with you all.

H-O-R-S-E

In light of the NBA weekend...I just want to take a couple game situation shots to show you how I'd win the H-O-R-S-E competition.

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Deal or No Deal Model Tournament (Championship Week)

We are finally here! The voting has gone down some, but that is my fault. For those of you that have been voting faithfully we are down to our final 2 models. Ursula gets the tie-breaking victory over Kelly and now we can finally finish this thing. With this being the final I would like to thank nbc.com for their contributions of summarizing each model. No writing, just pics for this week. This is it so vote for your favorite. Enjoy!

CASE #5 URSULA

CASE #17 JENELLE

Weekend Review

This past weekend was filled with many interesting sporting news in NBA and College Basketball. But, no sporting news was bigger than what went on in Major League Baseball. I am not going to get to much into the whole A-Rod thing but here is what I took out of his interview, along with some other news outside the world of sports (for once).

When Shorty texted me on Saturday while I was on a light post on one of the busiest streets in my town, I literally thought that I was going to "fall off the ladder" when he wrote that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroids. I hate writing or talking about this subject, but all I know is that this situation sucks! What I will write about was A-Rod's interview with Peter Gammons. I have always thought that Alex always spoke like he had a piece of paper in his hand reading off what his agent Scott Boras thinks he should say. But, yesterday he actually sounded human. I don't know if we could ever believe him, but yesterday, when I was told about the interview, I didn't really expect him to talk so openly about it. I thought that he was going to beat around the bush with some of Gammon's questions, but he really didn't. And you really saw how much the situation bothered Alex, and how "stupid" he was. I do commend him for taking the interview in such a short amount of time, and at least to me sounding sorry for what he did in a trusting tone.

I don't know if any of you get the MLB Network, but for a huge baseball fan it might be my favorite television network ever! The season hasn't even begun yet, but I can count on this station if I ever find nothing on, or use it for a late night treat. Located on station 213 on Directv, all I have to do is go a couple pages down from ESPN and their you have it. I just thought that you should all know that...I LOVE THE MLB NETWORK!

The Grammy's on Sunday night as usually didn't disappoint as far as performances were concerned. Although there were a couple of acts that were scratched thanks to Chris Brown and Rihanna. For those of you that don't know, both pop stars canceled appearances at Sunday's Grammy Awards after news broke about Brown's involvement in an assault on a woman the previous night. It was an emotional night for Jennifer Hudson, and still don't know how she didn't break down after her "You Pulled Me Through" performance on stage. I noticed that while M.I.A, Jay-z, TI, Lil Wayne, and Kanye were performing "Swagger Like Us" on stage, I saw Coldplay in the front row bobbing their heads jamming to the song which I thought was pretty cool. When Smokey Robinson, Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo and Duke Fakir-the only actual member of the Four Tops performed I thought that that was awesome, but to top the night was thoroughly surprised on how much I enjoyed the Jonas Brothers perform "Superstition" with Stevie Wonder. It was a pretty good night at the Grammy's that was filled with surprises and no shows.

Finally in local news, it has been pretty interesting in Palm Coast, Florida this past week. My favorite pizza restaurant, which gives me the only sense of great pizza from the north has been in national news. There was a complaint of a customers order and the owner of the pizza shop, "Goombas", told them to come and and he'll take care of the order for them, no charge. The owner, a Mafia hitman from Brooklyn turned Mob-rat living in the Florida sunshine, blew his new identity when he lunged over the counter of his government-approved business, and pistol-whipped two patrons who complained about a calzone. As told in the Daytona News Journal... Warrants for Joseph Milano, which were signed by a circuit judge Friday, also list the name "Joseph Calco." Calco was part of a crew of aspiring mobsters, but became a federal informant and testified at the trial of Anthony Spero, who was identified by authorities as one of New York's top organized crime figures. Interesting huh?! Safe to say that this guy is in some serious trouble. They even put the guy's address in the paper. My uncle told me the other day that he has noticed more black limos in the area as of late, but I think that he is just kidding...or is he? There was a great bit written in the paper that I loved, it said, "Milano's home was guarded Thursday by a large dog apparently corralled by an invisible electronic fence. A neighbor said she recently saw Milano working on the eaves of the home. She said it appeared he was installing security cameras." Nice! Here's the video,watch him go under the counter then the gun in his hand...

What 2 Watch This Weekend

I haven't done one of these in a while, but like most of you, I am already looking into what in the hell will be on television now that the NFL season is over. Plus, earlier this week I witnessed something on the upcoming schedule this weekend that I had no idea about. It is my "Must Watch" game of the week. Take a look at what we should get into this weekend.

FRIDAY

Celtics @ Knicks - That's right! With the NFL over, it's time for The Nutz to start getting into some NBA basketball. After Kobe's and Lebron's performances at the Garden...who's next?

SATURDAY

Notre Dame @ UCLA - A weekend filled with great matchups that we could theoretically call bracket busters early on starts in California. The Fighting Irish have a lot of losses...alot! They also have found themselves in the 12th slot in the Big East. Been very unimpressed with the Irish, and they aren't deserving of a NCAA bid, but beating the Bruins on the West Coast would help things.

Miami @ Duke - Only because my brother would think that this is a big game. Miami is coming off a very impressive win at Wake Forest. While, the Blue Devils just got knocked on their asses verses a great Clemson team. I love watching Jack McClinton shoot the rock, so watch the game and hopefully we will see the Hurricanes get another quality win on their resume.

Syracuse @ Villanova - I gotta say (sorry Pitbull, but we already went over this), I am not at all impressed with the Orangemen's play this season. I have been corrected before about this, but I do not believe that the man-to-man defense that Jim Boehiem has been using, been successful. Don't get me wrong, I would never second guess a coach like him, but I don't see it working. And it carries over to the offensive end, not to mention, that the 'cuse is the worst foul shooting team in the entire nation. This would be a huge victory not only for their resume but their moral.

SUNDAY

Purdue @ Illinois - Finally, the Boilermakers have shown up this season! Since their near fall at Northwestern, they have really shown what kind of team they are expected to be. Illinois has shocked the nation so far, but there are plenty of games to go. Purdue is currently ranked 13th, and a victory on their home court would go far for the Fighting Illini.

Lakers @ Cavs - Kobe nets 61, Lebron hits for 52 with a couple more double figured categories. NBA action on Sunday begins this weekend and what better way to start things off then the league's two best players.

The NFL Pro Bowl - Only if your that bored.

MUST WATCH GAME OF THE WEEK

MICHIGAN @ UCONN - For those of you that have known me for a long time, I have been wanting this match up since I became a Michigan fan. Now, finally at the tender age of 31, my dream has turned into a nightmare. "Your just lucky Calhoun won't put us on your schedule!" That's what I repeat to friends, classmates, teachers, and even the Wilcox Tech librarian (Yes, Wilcox had a library). Every year, at least in the 90s, that they would find themselves on the same side of the NCAA Bracket, but to no avail. Now, they are finally playing each other, when this UCONN team has been my favorite team since Cliff Robinson was turning the Huskies into a NIT Championship team. They have everything going for them this season I believe. You know I got it bad when I want to really like Jeff Adrian but I know that I will only take heat for it. With the "Boys in Blue" I wish that I could have said I told you so. I knew the early season victories were a fluke. Now they find themselves at 15-8 heading to UCONN. If the Wolverines end up with the victory...just face it you don't need that in your lives...you really don't!

Deal or No Deal Model Tournament

Case #17 Jenelle squeaked by case #11 Katie last week and moves on to the Deal or No Deal Finals. Our second semi final features two beautiful brunettes with one of them receiving the most votes overall throughout this lifelong tournament. Here is our second semi final models. Keep voting!

Kelly - Holder of case #24, Kelly Brannigan was born September 18th, 1982 in Torrance, California, where she lived with her father, Mark, until she was eleven years old. Sadly, he passed away in 1993 and she and her sister Sarah moved to a small town, Auburn, in Upstate New York with her uncle Mike and his wife, Mary. She sang opera all through high school and was the leader of her class. Cooking is also one of her many passions. She went to college for two years at Monroe C.C. and studied food service and hospitality. Realizing that cooking was more than a hobby, she enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America for Pastry Arts, but modeling called. Some people think she’s Italian, some think she’s Latin, but actually her mother is from a tiny town in Central America called Placentia, and her dad was Irish.

Ursula - Holder of case #5, the top vote getter, Ursula Mayes was born on August 9th on a military base in Seoul, South Korea. Her exotic looks come from a Korean mother and a German/Native American father. Mayes has landed many magazine covers within a short period of time, making her one of L.A.'s and the nation's top fresh faces on the rise. She has been featured in magazines such as Maxim, Stuff, Muscle & Fitness, OC Health, Karma, People magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People issue and many more. Internationally, Mayes has been featured in Korean Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, In Style, Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire. Some of her national corporate campaigns include Evan Williams, Monster Energy, Subaru, Bacardi and Airsplat.

Weekend Review

Usually I would just write about random things that were brought to my attention this past weekend. But, with so much that went on, I found some pics that went on this weekend and the first word that popped into my mind when I saw them. Because a picture says a 1000 words, feel free to make up your own.

amazing

dope

phenomenal

damn!

Recruiting Time

We are now a day away from National Signing Day for the 2009 college football season. As promised I wanted to do a little piece on how far away Connecticut football is compared to the crop of talent in Florida. Today will be a short piece, but something just for your information before the big day. This week I will give you my winners and losers for the recruiting season. Enjoy!

FLORIDA RECRUITS

It really is amazing when you take a look at where all the top high school players come from. In a five year span from 2004-2008, the Sunshine State has produced the most BCS recruits (983). To make their programs better coaches from all over the nation come to Florida to find their type of player to make their team better. After making a couple of appearances to high school football games when I made the move to Florida, you have to witness it for yourself to really get a sense that the talent plain and simply is better. The kids are bigger, faster, and more athletic and unfortunately for the northern colleges they will only have elite programs by taking their talent from the south. I haven't even seen the real talented high school teams play, which are mostly found in south Florida, but I have seen enough to convince me that a kid that sits the bench on a 6A school could be a star on any high school team in Connecticut. That's not a guess folks, it's a promise! This 2009 class of recruits is no different this season. Let's take a look.

Most writers this year are saying that Florida State is winning the recruiting war this year in state. The Seminoles have been able to grab 8 of the top 35 state recruits this year, including the state's #1 player in DT Jacobbi McDaniel. Don't be fooled though ladies and gentlemen. Tomorrow will prove once again that the Florida Gators own the Sunshine State. Coach Urban Meyer is great at getting recruits on the last day. Every week in my local Sunday paper they have updates on the recruiting season for the top college schools (Florida, FSU, Miami). Florida needs a running back and could steal the states #1 ranked back tomorrow from Alabama. Meyer has told Trent Richardson that the starting RB job will be his next season, and that is exactly what he wants to hear. If the Gators could get Richardson and TE Orson Charles they will end up with 4 of the states 6 5-star recruits. Now that may not sound like much guys, but there is only 33 5-star recruits in the nation this recruiting season.

In my opinion though, tomorrow will be a big day for the University of Miami. They have been doing their best this recruiting season which could quite possibly end with them landing the nation's #1 player. RB Bryce Brown, from Wichita, Kansas is the most wanted player this season. If Miami can land him and offensive lineman Marcus Hall they will make heads turn in years to come in the ACC. They have already landed 9 4-star recruits this off-season most of which comes from in state. It should be very interesting what happens tomorrow, until then here's a little clip of Mr. Bryce Brown.

The Bets

Every year I get NUTZ, I have no idea why. The Super Bowl is where I find myself betting everything. This year is no different. With much at stake and money on the line, I give to you Deez' betting list for this year's Super Bowl.

FIRST SCORE - FG

FIRST SCORING PLAY - CARDINALS FG

WARNERS YARDS - 311-325

FIRST CHALLENGE - PITTSBURGH

FIRST PENALTY - PITTSBURGH

FIRST TD - STEVE BREASTON

WILL BOTH TEAMS KICK A 33 YARDER - YES

SCORE IN FIRST 6 MIN. - YES

FIRST OFFENSIVE PLAY - PASS

WILL THERE BE A DEFENSIVE OR SPECIAL TEAMS TD - YES

LONGEST FG - OVER 44.5

WILL ROETHLISBERGER THROW A INT - YES

HEADS OR TAILS - HEADS

WHO WILL WIN THE COIN TOSS - ARIZONA

REC YARDS FOR BOLDIN - 101-110

WILL EITHER TEAM SCORE 3 TIMES IN A ROW - NO

ARIZONA +12.5/OVER 40.5

The Super Bowl

I saw a stat in the USA Today this weekend that I totally forgot about and it blew my mind, and brought me back. The Washington Redskins in their Super Bowl victory had 602 yards of total offense against the Denver Broncos in their victory in XXII. I remember that day like it was yesterday. The week before the game I took heat from all the kids at school about how good the Broncos are and that the Redskins didn't have a chance. And I shoved it in their faces the Monday morning after. My father came home from work that Monday smiling at me like a new man, because our favorite team had won the Super Bowl. He went to Billings Sports after work that day and bought me my first football jersey...of my favorite Redskin, Art Monk. I guess where I am going with this is that the Super Bowl is a very special time during sports year where memories could last a lifetime. You are always going to remember a Super Bowl! Where you were, who you were with, and the outcome. My Redskins have won 3 Super Bowls in my lifetime where I really only got to witness 2 of them, but I remember both. I even taped them on our vcr recorder, that's how special those games were to me. The last 10-15 years the Redskins have been tough to watch, but I can still tell you where I was and who I was with when the Titans lost by a yard to the Rams, or watching the Cowboys dominate the 90s, or when Jerry Rice was playing on the big stage, even when the Raven beat up the Giants in the worst Super Bowl of my lifetime. The Super Bowl is always filled with memories, so I hope that all of you get to enjoy this one. It should be very interesting with an offensive team facing a defensive team. I hope that all of my readers get to enjoy the day, and I will be posting my betting picks shortly.