In today's day and age, as I have said so many times, it is important for the coach to understand what it takes to play on the professional level.

	Doug Collins is all smiles after becoming the head coach of the Wizards.

Coaches like Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, Larry Brown, George Karl and Doc Rivers all played professional basketball. They have a better feel and understanding for the personalities that make up the game.

Dealing with the mindset of the modern-day athlete is very important, baby! Just look at what Michael Jordan did in the nation's capital. The Washington Wizards decided to go with Doug Collins as Leonard Hamilton's replacement. It's a very different world between coaching in college and in the pros.

Collins brings that, having played with the Sixers and coached in the NBA. He is the perfect hire for Mr. Jordan. He will get the most of the good, young talent they are starting to put together.

Imagine if Michael the Magnificent comes back to provide leadership and instant scoring! The bottom line is, the world of the NBA is very different, as Hamilton found out.

A SALUTE TO WIL ROBINSON
By the way, Collins, played in college for the first African-American head coach in Division I. Illinois State was led by Wil Robinson, one of the sharpest minds in the sport of basketball. He's now a scout for the Detroit Pistons. It blows my mind that he is approaching 90 years old.

Robinson travels actively and I often see him at games I have done. He has beaten cancer and has been a marvel. Robinson coached Spencer Haywood at Pershing High School in Michigan, the same Haywood who was the first player to go hardship into the NBA.

Seeing Robinson travel from arena to arena, with his beautiful smile and his analytic ability, is great -- he has been a big-time asset to the sport. He definitely played a part in the development of Collins.