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

October is one of my favorite times of the year for many reasons. My wife and I were married on October 5, 1985. Fall is a beautiful season, especially here in North Carolina. And it marks the beginning of college basketball practice.

While it is wonderful to be back in my native North Carolina at NC State, I do miss Fred Hoiberg and the players, staff, and fans at Iowa State. Last season was a blast and I will actively follow the Cyclones this season from a distance. They could be a surprise not only in the Big 12, but nationally. 

Joining the coaching staff of another good friend, Mark Gottfried, has been exciting albeit challenging and hectic. While we face a rebuilding year according to the experts, we could surprise a few of those pundits immediately. It's been a lot of fun being reunited with Orlando Early, Rob Moxley and Nima Omidvar, who worked with me at Charlotte, as well as joining Jeff Dunlap, Levi Watkins and others here at State. This talented staff that Coach Gottfried has assembled will return this tradition-rich program to its winning ways. Most coaches work incredibly hard (I am often amused at reports of certain coaches supposedly outworking everyone else) and our staff is no different, putting in countless hours since being hired in April. From the awesome renovations to our Dail Center (our offices and practice facility) to individual workouts and recruiting, we have begun to lay the foundation for our program. As part of our overall program revamping, Coach Gottfried initiated a alumni outreach to reconnect to some of the program's former players. He hosted a reunion dinner for former players and over 60 attended on short notice--what a great night!

Any time there is a complete coaching change (where someone from outside the former staff gets the job), the transition can be extremely difficult for the players. Our guys have really attempted to adjust to a different style of play, but it takes time to fully implement such change. Practice is competitive and teaching is crucial. Perhaps our biggest challenge is the fact that none of our returning players know our offensive and defensive schemes so it is new to all. This also provides a new start for every player and as a coach it is fun to watch as players are getting more comfortable and better before your eyes on a daily basis. We have a chance to be better in January, February and March and we need to be when we enter ACC play. It is too early to tell who will start and play significant roles off the bench but every day makes things clearer to us.

Speaking of the ACC, it is interesting if not amusing, to read quotes regarding conference realignment. Having been in the Big 12 a season ago and now in the ACC, it is obvious the business of college athletics takes precedence over tradition. I saw firsthand what impact the changes of 2005 had on Conference USA. Those leaving C-USA for the Big East did what they felt was best for them. Now as two Big East schools leave for the ACC, the remaining Big East institutions have been critical of those departing schools and their new conference. Perhaps you really can't have it both ways?

Regardless, college basketball will survive and thrive due to great fans like those at Iowa State and NC State. Two incredibly passionate and large fan bases are what make coaching fun. Once the season tips off in early November, the games, players and schools will take center stage for millions to enjoy until March and early April.

If this time of year doesn't get you excited as a coach, it is time to find another job. Thank God I am still able to be a small part of coaching at this level.

Go Pack!

* * *