The 2010 NFL Draft

In past years, my NFL Draft weekend has been a two-day event (the three-day format started this spring), including over 250 picks and a trip to New York City with friends to enjoy Radio City Music Hall. 2010's version turned out to be one of the most memorable sports experiences of my life-- and one I felt obligated to share on this blog.

With the school year winding down and my time at Rutgers just weeks away from being over, it's hard not to think about the family and friends you've shared moments with throughout the course of your life. That's why Thursday night and the first round of the NFL Draft was so unbelievably emotional.

Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson graduated from Piscataway High School in central New Jersey in 2005. He won two Fiesta Bowls in Idaho and was slated to be a top 30 pick based on some astonishing results at the Senior Bowl and his Pro Day. But, before all that, Kyle and I had attended the same household (that of the nephew of civil rights activist Percy Sutton) for the holidays since we were six years old.

About an hour before the selection show, Kyle and I were in his room preparing for what was going to be a crazy night among family and friends. He broke the ice by asking what my "post-college plans" were (in all likelihood, he's going to make over $10 million and I'll be freelancing for $10), which got a big laugh out of me. It was then I realized how important following your dream truly is.

When mayhem ensued in the Wilson household after the New York Jets selected him with the No. 29 pick, I interviewed him on a live webcam feed on Justin.tv so all those who couldn't fit in the house could watch. It was hard for me not to shake my head thinking that just a few years before, we were sharing dinner on Christmas.

While Thursday was unreal and I have already ordered my green Wilson jersey, a four-year tradition was continued on Saturday-- a Rutgers crew excursion to the final day of the NFL Draft at Radio City. A group of about eight to 10 of us has made this trek at 6 a.m. every year since 2007 and it never gets old.

We sat through picks 99-255 and yelled at ESPN personalities throughout the afternoon. Trey Wingo was great in the back-and-forth as always and Ron Jaworski opened up more this year too. Our group even got Mel Kiper Jr. to laugh at a few wisecracks and Todd McShay was a good sport in dealing with our heckling.

Since the emergence of Rutgers football as a respected program, the Scarlet Knights have produced a bunch of draft picks. Thursday night was the first time two RU players were selected in the first round (Anthony Davis and Devin McCourty) and when pick No. 237 came around on Saturday, we were getting nervous that no Scarlet Knights would be selected on Day No. 3.

After Minnesota took linebacker Ryan D'Imperio as a fullback in that spot, we treated the networks with a rousing rendition of the RU fight song and a few cheers. Wingo made mention of this and the tradition of a Rutgers presence at the NFL Draft lives on.

It was an exhausting weekend, but one I will never forget. If I'm not living in the New York City area next April, draft weekend will always hold a special place in my post-graduation life.

Greater Middlesex Conference Note:

With the selection of Davis and Wilson, Piscataway High School has produced three first-round picks in the last two seasons (Malcolm Jenkins was selected No. 14 in 2009). Dan Higgins has a powerhouse in Middlesex County and deserves a ton of respect.

Here's to future Rutgers students making the trip to midtown Manhattan and to enormous amounts of success for Kyle Wilson as a member of Gang Green.

Millennium for Moose

When Rutgers third baseman D.J. Anderson threw across his body to complete a 5-4 fielder's choice to end Saturday's RU-USF baseball game, Fred Hill became the 46th Division I head coach to win 1,000 games.

Before diving into the exciting yet awkward aspects of being a part of the moment, let me first say that having the game-ending call is something I'll never forget. "A Millennium for Moose" was my (slightly) preconceived call for the event that was more a hurdle for Rutgers (21-13, 10-2 in the BIG EAST) to clear than anything else.

Moose (Hill's nickname) is a New Jersey baseball legend. His entire 2010 roster is from the Garden State and his players all relate to his intensity.

It has been a tough few weeks for Hill. He has watched his son go through one of nastiest coaching divorces college basketball has seen recently. The fairy tale arrangement of a father-son duo leading programs at the same University is going to have a less than storybook ending.

But, for one day, everyone's attention was on the baseball diamond at Bainton Field for a good reason. The younger Hill, Bob Mulcahy and Tim Pernetti were all on hand to watch the amazing feat. While it wasn't exactly the most comfortable situation, everyone was finally "happy."

Thinking back to some of Hill's best teams, names such as Todd Frazier, Jason Bergmann, David DeJesus and Darren Fenster come to mind. RU was the class of Northeast baseball, while Atlantic 10, BIG EAST championships, NCAA appearances were the norm.

Whether or not the 75-year-old Hill has lost touch with the recruiting scene is irrelevant. He has coaches to deal with that and has earned the respect of a lineup lined with MLB talent. Hopefully, before Hill is gone, RU has a new facility to help him out.

With monstrous series coming up against Connecticut and Louisville, RU has an outside shot at the BIG EAST title. But, for the next few weeks, it'll be all about relishing the moment that Moose got No. 1,000.

The Jury is Out on Doc

It's so hard to get into a NBA game because the pace is watered down in comparison to the college game. You rarely find a superstar on every team who's committed to each play.

However, if there is one figure on the pro side of things that I've enjoyed following, it has been Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers. First of all, I repent for liking anything related to Boston sports. Secondly, please don't kill me Bill Simmons (read any of his Tweets or columns for an explanation).

The majority of NBA coaches are self-serving, condescending and bland. They refuse to say anything substantive with regard to basketball philosophy in talking with the media. Cue Doc Rivers.

The Chicago native lesser-known as Glenn Anton Rivers treats his job like he ran the point at Marquette and alongside the human dunk show, Dominique Wilkins, in Atlanta.

His playing accomplishments include a 10 assists per game average in 1987-- something we don't see enough in today's 1-on-1 dominated game. Also, anyone whose nickname was given to them by Rick Majerus is good in my book.

Now, I have to ask two questions. How does a coach only two years removed from a dominating title run draw so much criticism from his fan base? And, can basketball people understand if a man simply wants to spend more time with his family?

The Boston Herald is reporting that the 48-year-old cousin of Yankees broadcaster Ken Singleton is seriously considering stepping down as Celtics head coach at the end of the season.

If the reason is to watch his sons Jeremiah and Austin hoop it up at Indiana and in high school respectively, and his daughter Callie show off her volleyball skills, then more power to him. Having a father around at this point in their careers is very important to his kids.

But, if he's backing down because of the Boston media and fans or the potential breakup of the duo of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, then his priorities are misplaced.

The coach of any championship winner has one major obligation-- to attempt to build a dynasty. Once you bring a title home, it is important to stave off the tendency to slide back to mediocrity. Despite what some think, Doc is still on pace to make lasting waves in the Eastern Conference.

Say what you want about Doc's suave attitude and laid-back mentality, but he has three division titles in his time in Beantown. The problem is the momentum from the '08 run is slowly fading away.

If it's for the family, Doc, go enjoy yourself in Florida. If not, you owe it to your team to help them achieve the ultimate form of sports success.

Love for Lefty

I don't have the patience to play golf at any respectable level. It is a sport that takes unbelievable concentration, situational precision and a combination of strength and grace.

So, when I see Phil Mickelson win The Masters after having an extremely emotional and trying year, I have to admire the feat.

When Lefty walked up to the 18th green at Augusta National, he had to be in awe of himself. After going through an exhausting stretch of helping his wife and mother battle breast cancer, he had put together one of the best four-day periods on the par-fives of one of the most challenging courses in the country. Try getting yourself mentally prepared for that.

It's a pretty impressive accomplishment to shoot a 5-under 67 on Sunday at a major with Tiger Woods on your heels, an accomplished Lee Westwood leading the way and your ailing wife waiting with your kids at the clubhouse. Lefty's 13th hole summed up his determination-- not surprisingly, on a par-five monster.

After an unruly hook (albeit a bomb) took his tee shot into the pines, Mickelson took a risk only he would at that stage. Up two shots and a conservative back-nine away from a third Green Jacket, he sent a 6-iron from 207 yards within eight feet of the pin-- between the trees no less.

You could tell all of the emotion was building up when he had a wry smile in talking about the shot and his exchange with his wife after a birdie on the 18th. The celebration was much tamer than six years ago when he jumped in jubilation on that same green following his first major win. Excuse Phil if he's used up his quota for emotion this year.

I still can't believe any human who has gone through what he has this year could step up and go bogey free in the last round of The Masters. Phil's personality allows for it.

I guess it makes sense that a guy who has watched the two most important women in his life never give up hope would find a way to see the light at the end of the tunnel no matter what.

There's not much else to say about how cool this weekend was to watch, but I'll leave you with this.

When golf serves you an impossible shot between two trees, go for the green. Because, in the end, there are more important things in life.

Thanks for the life lesson, Lefty. We owe you one.

Maniacal Monday

ESPN's Adam Schefter started the day with an appropriate comment on his Twitter. "Busiest day of the sports year," he wrote. Once again, Schefter was right.

The men's college basketball title game, Opening Day around the MLB, a Tiger Woods press conference at Augusta and reaction to Donovan McNabb being traded within the NFC East lined an insane 24 hours.

Brad Stevens is still boss. That was one of the top three championship games I've ever seen. Thankfully, Gordon Hayward has a couple more years of college ball, or he'd be shooting 45-foot runners for the rest of his life. I was really impressed with the poise of a young Butler team which only graduates one starter-- Willie Veasley-- who played the poorest of all the Bulldogs. They almost won it "for all the small schools," but they'll never be forgotten.

Opening Night and Day in Baseball Land. I can't wait to get out to the Bronx soon and experience the pleasure that is a day at the ballpark. For now, I'm left to console the throngs of Yankees fans who too quickly jump to conclusions after one game out of 162. Yes, Joe Girardi made a mistake by going to Chan Ho Park right out of the gate (the binder comes into play pretty quickly), but you have to be happy with the way the lineup looks. As for the Mets, Mike Jacobs is hitting fourth? He'd have some problems cracking the Yankees 25-man roster (sarcasm alert). I'm curious to see how long that experiment of breaking up the right-handed hitters lasts. In other news, Albert Pujols is a machine-- news at 11.

Speaking of the local news, Tiger Woods at the Masters was story No. 1 on CBS. Are you kidding me? I understand this on ESPN, but the 11 p.m. news? I thought Tiger did a decent job outside of being fresh to a couple of reporters. The apology to his fellow players was sincere and I think he realizes how annoying the fanfare associated with his return is for all of his peers. I, for one, hope he plays as well as he did before Elin-gate, but I'm skeptical. Golf is a game of repetition and he's been through more "therapy" sessions than 18-hole rounds since Thanksgiving.

As a Giants fan, you have to love the Eagles' stupidity. After thinking about my initial feeling that it was classless to dangle Donovan McNabb around as bait, I realized it was just dumb to keep him inside the NFC East. As much as Andy Reid wanted to please his loyal quarterback, you've just set up two very awkward rivalry games for this fall. Donovan has a confusing color scheme in his career-- bright orange at Syracuse, green in Philly and that ugly off-red in Washington. The fact that some Eagles fans are pumped about this deal is comical.

I'm going to miss the college basketball season. It was an amazing March Madness, but I'm ready for some Yankees baseball. Cheers to a maniacal Monday in sports.

A True Hoops Dream

I love Opening Day as much as the next guy. With two hours left until first pitch of Yankees-Red Sox, I'm almost too pumped up to write about baseball. So, I'll wait a couple days to get the early-season impressions fully developed.

With arguably the most exciting NCAA Tournament set to end tomorrow night in Indianapolis, it's an appropriate time to feature a coach who personifies the term "hoops dream" and even reminds you a bit of a Hoosiers actor in the process.

Watching Butler roll through the Dance with Brad Stevens at the helm has been a joy for so many reasons. Here are my top five thoughts on why the 33-year-old is officially the coolest coach in college basketball.

1. He followed his dream. As an aspiring sports broadcaster, I can understand the stresses of trying to break into an ultra-competitive profession. After playing college ball at DePauw University and landing a white-collar gig at Eli Lilly, nobody would have blamed Stevens for giving up the game he loved. But when a non-paying position at Butler opened up under Thad Matta, Stevens was quick to jump on it. The fact that he trusted his abilities enough to sign up for training at Applebee's says a lot about his character. And then, he reaches the top of his profession and coaches in a national title game within 12 years-- wow.

2. His story includes a wooden backboard and a driveway court. Can you script this any better? I envision a young Jimmy Chitwood asking the next-door neighbor whether he could borrow some court time when I heard about this one. Every kid in Indiana grows up hoping they can replicate a Milan High School run or come close to shooting like "The Hick from French Lick." I wish I still had a hoop to shoot at every day and outside of playing catch with your dad, that's about as all-American as it gets.

3. Stevens still hoops it up. Ask Gordon Hayward or Shelvin Mack what it's like to guard your coach-- they'll know pretty well. Despite denying that he was ever any good at basketball in Indy suburb Zionsville or in college, Stevens still averaged nearly 10 points per game at the Division III level. But, the part that makes him stand out from other coaches is that his competitive spirit forces him to challenge his students to 2-on-2 games. We always hear about Tom Izzo's free throws before practice (I feel for the poor guy-- high school sports moments stick with you), but having your coach cross you up and then talk trash must be a whole different experience.

4. He genuinely never wants to leave Butler. I know that we've been conditioned to stay cynical when it comes to the college basketball coaching carousel. And, I'm a person that never believes a coach will see out his extension or mega-deal when they are announced. However, for some reason, I really believe that Stevens wants to stay home. As someone who lived a mile from or at Rutgers University his entire life, I can understand his loyalty. He doesn't seem like he embraces the bright lights and just goes about his business. While I love to see the best coaches teaching the elite talent, I'm rooting for Stevens to sign a lifetime deal and get a statue outside of Hinkle Fieldhouse.

5. His sideline decorum is unmatched in college basketball. You have the older guys like Jim Boeheim and Jim Calhoun who sit down for the majority of the game and then go buck-wild on the first official that forgets they're around to display their executive check. You also have a younger "coach" like Bobby Gonzalez who doesn't stop whining from tip until buzzer. Stevens understands etiquette and stern teaching. He's calm, cool and collected during the game, but emotional on the practice court. He relates to his players and keeps them level-headed at the most trying of times. That's coaching.

Here's to Brad Stevens and good luck to Butler University on Monday night. You have one solid coach.