Diary Series: Bobby Lutz, Asst. Coach - NC State

Conference play is in full swing and with it comes a higher level of intensity.  Someone (not sure who) once answered the question, "What is the toughest league?" by answering, "the one you are in".  It is amazing how difficult it is to win once you get to league play, especially on the road. This was true when I was at Pfeiffer College (now University) where we won six consecutive regular season and conference titles, at UNC Charlotte, at Iowa State, and now at NC State.  Familiarity with conference opponents and rivalries make conference games more interesting and entertaining for fans and media, and much more stressful for coaches.  The media loves to talk about bad losses, but until you have coached it is difficult to understand how tough it is to win league games unless you are truly an elite team.

As we focus on improving during this critical time, it is also interesting to observe the movement in the NCAA regarding men's basketball recruiting rules. The current shift in philosophy is dramatic and comprehensive in scope.  Deregulation is the theme and it will impact coaches, recruits and their families significantly beginning June 15, 2012.  At that time, the impending legislation will remove ALL restrictions on phone calls and electronic direct (private) messages between a coach and a recruit.  In many areas of life people tend to overreact and shift dramatically -- that could be the case with this legislation, but only time will tell. High school students will be bombarded with phone calls and electronic media, including during events in July and subsequent open periods.  Can you imagine when a top player has a great game in Vegas in July how many texts, direct tweets, phone messages, etc. will be sent to him immediately after or even during the game?  While I agree with deregulation, I am curious to watch how this evolves.  Hopefully, coaches will act with intelligence and respect, but only time will tell??

Spring semester is always a challenge for coaches because you are in league play where every game is scrutinized, classes have started again, and travel causes students to miss classes. Being a role model of balancing priorities is crucial at all times for a coach, but that job is magnified for the next couple months. In addition, many players at the high level are also considering whether they have a future in professional basketball. If they are underclassmen, is it time?  If we can get players to focus on improving every day in every way on and off the court, we have done our job as coaches.  Physical practice, while still important, may not be as important as the mental and emotional state of our players heading into February.  It is a challenge, but a phenomenal opportunity to positively impact the lives of student athletes in terms of basketball and beyond. Preparation for success in class, on the court, and in life should be a motive for all of us.  Easier said than done while in the midst of conference games, job rumors, etc.

Still, I am thankful to have such a job knowing by the next time I submit one of these reports, we will be on the cusp of March Madness.  All the best.

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