April 12, 2006

I can't wait to see what happens in New Jersey in the future. That's right, it is going to heat up big time.

You talk about a battle, you talk about excitement, think about the recruiting war in the New York-New Jersey area. Get ready for something special, with so much enthusiasm and energy.

In one corner is new Seton Hall coach Bobby Gonzalez. It even sounds great; what a terrific choice bringing him in as his work ethic is incredible. In the other corner ia new Rutgers coach Fred Hill Jr. Talk about a guy who likes to go 24/7 as well, he is a workaholic, baby!

Both have the same approach, going out to get the creme de la creme.

When you think about the world of coaching, there are three areas you have to excel in to become a big-time success. First is recruiting. You simply don't win without players. John Wooden, the greatest of all time, would tell you he won because the talent level in Westwood was pretty good. The ability to get the Waltons and Alcindors helped, and the coaching helped blend guys together as a team. Gonzalez and Hill will be in a battle to get throughbreds to their respective schools.

Second, you have to be able to communicate your concepts. You have to get your thoughts and ideas to your players when you are teaching. Both Gonzalez and Hill are talented in that area.

Third, you need to manage the game, take care of practice, handle the x's and o's. Let me tell you, if you don't know the x's and o's about that game, you have a problem. Something tells me these two will head for stardom in the game-time management.

Big East fans, get ready. The toughest league in America just added two great coaches, guys who will work so hard to recruit the best talent available. The names are Gonzalez and Hill and the New York-New Jersey area just got a major boost with their additions.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.