pittsburghsportsdailybulletin – Page 159 – Welcome to Steelers Takeaways!

Ken Crippen – Pro Football Researchers Association

Ken Crippen, Pro Football Researchers Association (June 29, 2011):

First, can you tell us a bit about the Pro Football Researchers Association – how it got started and it’s “mission”?

The Professional Football Researchers Association (PFRA) is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to pro football history. We were incorporated in 1979 and currently have over 400 members in 11 countries.

What is a Pro Football Researcher exactly – and why devote an organization to this niche?

A pro football researcher is anyone dedicated to researching or writing about any aspect of pro football history.

How is the organization funded and run?

We are a membership-based organization run by both elected officials and appointed officials. These officials make up the board of directors.

How much research is done/sponsored by the association itself – or is the work done strictly by members?

The work is done by the membership and shared with the membership.

How is the research conducted – and how do the researchers decide on what history to go after in its research agenda?

Research subjects are chosen by the researcher. Any topic that is of interest to the researcher.

What part does oral history play in research and how do researchers go about collecting this?

Oral history is an important part of football history. We want to capture the stories and game accounts first-hand from the players. As the stories get passed down from generation to generation, the quality of the accounts declines.

You get into very specific areas of research – from social movements, gamebooks, uniforms, pre-NFL leagues, etc. How do you focus on each niche and what are some of the more interesting findings across these niches?

The focus on each niche depends on the interest of the researchers doing the work. For example, the uniforms committee has provided graphical representations of all team uniforms from 1933 through 1958.

The social movements committee has focused on racial integration within pro football. The pre-NFL committee has discovered previously unknown teams.

What is some of the more interesting research done on Steelers teams via your association or it’s members?

Matt Algeo’s book “Last Team Standing” on the Steagles was interesting. We have also written on the swapping of franchises between the Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles. We have also covered various players and moments from their Super Bowl championships in the 1970s.

How can that research be seen by fans?

The best way to see the research is by visiting our website: www.profootballresearchers.org or by becoming a member to receive our bi-monthly magazine “The Coffin Corner.” Instructions on how to become a member are located on our website.

You have developed your own Hall of Very Good for football researchers – can you tell readers more about this – who is nominated, by whom and how it’s voted on?

The Hall of Very Good was started in 2003 and was designed to honor players who had excellent careers, but were not in the Hall of Fame.

However, some of our inductees have gone on to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Each year, our membership submits five names for consideration for that year’s class. Once those names are received, a committee of nine whittles it down to the top twenty players. From there, the twenty names are submitted to our membership for a vote. The top vote-getters will be inducted into the class for that year, with a minimum and maximum class size, as well as a minimum percentage of the votes received.

Any other thoughts for readers?

Visit our website (www.profootballresearchers.org) to learn more about the PFRA.

Warren Anderson – Rehab Plus/MakePlays

Warren Anderson, President – Rehab Plus/Makeplays.com (April 1, 2011):

First, can you let readers know how you got started in sports training and offer any advice for those that would like to do the same?

To make a long story short, I was coaching in the old USFL, starting in 1983 with the Chicago Blitz and Hall of Fame coach George Allen, the next year they moved our franchise to Arizona. In 1985 we became the Arizona Outlaws and were coached by Western PA native and ex-Arizona State coach Frank Kush.

When the league went under in 1985 I started working in physical therapy with Coach Kush’s brother Steve. At the same time Coach Allen’s son Bruce became a sports agent and I began working with him as well. Bruce (currently the GM with the Washington Redskins) and I started the first NFL combine training camp in 1985 as a way to add a competitive advantage for agent services. We kind of merged all our services into a physical therapy/sports training facility and moved forward. In 1988 I opened my own
physical therapy/sports training facility, and we’ve grown and diversified over the years.

You focus a lot on combine training for players looking to get into the NFL. While so much emphasis is on physical training, how do you prepare players mentally for the litany of Questions and pressures that occur at the combine and in the NFL?

The combine was originally created to bring the top prospects together at one spot and conduct medical exams and physicals. It quickly morphed into all the physical testing, i.e. “measurables” and interviews and position drills. etc.

Today the combine is another venue for the league to broadcast, hype, “sell their product”. That being said, for most coaches and gm’s the combine is their first opportunity to see the new prospects “on the hoof”, get to meet with them, watch them move around and do some athletic things. Still today, the medical exams remain one of the most important aspects of the combine.

The interview process has taken on added importance and most prospects will be well versed on this component as well as the physical testing component. The combine is an intense, pressure filled event for the players, and, given these circumstances, allows teams to observe how the player handles the environment. We just want to have our players thoroughly prepared for every component and understand they may have to “adjust on the run”.

For example if a team wants to send a player off for an MRI it may alter his schedule some, and the player has to adapt to that. We like to use the adage “be intense but not tense” when dealing with all the pressures of the combine.

Do players often find the mental aspect of the game and combine more difficult than the physical demands of the game, in your opinion? How do you work with them to improve their mental approach to the game? What techniques do you use?

In regards to the combine, the mental pressures are definitely more of a concern to players.

Candidly, most of the players in this era have been doing all the “measurables” since they were attending high school combines. The tests like the short shuttle and 3 cone are learned skills that aren’t that difficult. Speed can be improved, but at the end of the day, the evaluations are going to go back to game tape.

The evaluation BEGINS with the tape and ENDS with the tape, all the other things help fill in the blanks. In my opinion, one of the biggest misconception players have is that if they blow away all the combine tests they’re going to be a high pick. We’ve had kids call us before the season wanting to know about getting ready for the combine, we just tell them they better worry about making plays on the field because that is going to get them drafted well before what they look like running around in their underwear.

Continuing on with preparing players mentally/psychologically for the NFL game and combine – how much do you alter your techniques and approach depending on the position an athlete plays- and how so?

In recent years, more facilities and agents are bringing in position coaches to work with prospects preparing for the draft. In my opinion, this is one of the smartest thing a young prospect can have available to him.

After the draft, all these rookies are going to have to perform on the field, and understand it is their ability to make plays and DO THEIR JOB that coaches care about. We’re very fortunate to work with some great coaches.

Rod Dowhower, who was an OC and QB coach for 25 years in the NFL, is unbelievably good in working with young QBs. An old Pittsburgh Steeler, Andre Hastings, works with wide receivers. Dre is a wealth of knowledge that is put from a players perspective. Dre has no patience for anything less than 100% and he’ll let them know.

Doug Plank, a Western PA guy who played with the Chicago Bears ( the 46 defense was named after him) and has coached most recently with the Jets, is fabulous with secondary players. Position coaches like this can prepare the player for what he will incur at the combine, but more importantly, have an understanding of what it takes to play in the National Football League.

What do you find are the biggest misperceptions most of these players have when they first start working with you?

As I stated earlier, I think the biggest misconception is that how they perform in the “measurables” will make or break their draft status. Especially offensive lineman. We always use the saying “you gotta know who you are”.

A kid with a late round or free agent grade, for example, has to understand that the measurables may have more relevance to him because, if he tests well it is an impetus to go back and look at some more tape, Again, the game tape is the critical factor.

What’s the toughest adjustment for college players coming into the NFL – both physically and psychologically?

In my opinion, the biggest adjustment for young guys is to understand the National Football League is all business. “No more marching bands or cheeleaders”.

You better have a thorough understanding going in you are trying to take someone’s job and livelihood away from them and the body of work you produce on a daily basis will be evaluated and scrutinized. I think the complexity of the NFL game is different for some players, and they have to understand they must have the ability to process information quickly then translate that information into physical execution.

The length of the season is tough on young guys too, when they’re used to their college season ending, the NFL is just starting to kick into high gear.

Is there a worry on your part that the pre-combine preparation you give to players won’t “stick” once their training with you ends? How do you help prevent that from happening?

Working with prospects prior to the draft, you just try and educate them on the process. From bowl games (senior bowl, etc.) to the combine, to pro day, to visits with teams, to the draft, then you get to your team and the real work starts.

You better keep yourself in great physical condition all the way through, keep working on your skills, until you get to a team. The team you end up with will train you and coach you the way they see fit.

Have you worked with athletes that are resistant to the process or your specific techniques? How do you handle those circumstances if so?

Through the years we really haven’t had any players that were resistant to anything. All the kids we’ve been fortunate enough to work with just want to get better and insure themselves they’ve done everything possible to give themselves the best chance to play in the National Football League.

What do you think would surprise readers most about the athletes and pre-combine process?

With the NFL Network and all the media coverage I don’t know if too much would surprise your readers.

One thing I have found kind of disturbing is some players go to facilities with the sole purpose of improving their 40 or whatever, and neglect their position skill work. We’ve had a number of quarterbacks in recent years, and quarterbacks are basically evaluated on their ability to throw the football effectively.

Especially with QB’s who have played in a spread type offense, their ability to learn the proper footwork in the 3,5,7 step drops, for example, are of much more relevance than what their broad jump, for example, is.

For Pittsburgh fans here – have you worked with any Pitt players and/or players that have gone on to become Steelers? If so, who, and without getting into any issues of confidentiality, how were they to work with?

We have a long and very fond relationship with Pittsburgh.

Starting back in the 80’s we had Pitt players like Tony Woods (DE), Craig “Ironhead” Heyward (RB), Alex Van Pelt (QB) , Bob Buckowski (DE) to name a few. One of my real good buddies is Eric Metz who is from Monroeville and is a prominent NFL agent.

I mentioned Andre Hastings, former Steeler WR who resides out here in Phoenix and helps us out with football training. Dre also has a real successful dog training business which is really his passion. Back in 2001 we worked a project at UPMC in conjunction with SFX sports to do some combine training. That was a ton of fun and we had some good players in Pittsburgh training with us, Deuce McAllister , Justin Smith, Chris Chambers, Matt Light to name a few.

Brett Kiesel who presently plays with the Steelers trained with us. What a great guy. Brett had a great story coming out, you just knew he was a tough guy that wouldn’t be denied, plus he had really good athletic ability. Jeff Otah who played at Pitt and is currently with the Carolina Panthers is out here in Phoenix rehabbing a shoulder with us. Jeff is getting in a ton of strength and conditioning work at the same time. He’s working real hard and looking forward to getting back on the field next year.

On a sad note, one of my good buddies was Tony Brown, who played OT at Pitt in the 80’s. Tony passed away from cancer last June. He was one of a kind.

Last thoughts?

Young high school players keep working on your skill sets as well as your strength,speed, re-direction skills, etc. Be an athlete. And if you’d like, feel free to drop a note to our website: www.makeplays.com.

Thanks Ron.

Bob Sproule – Society for Baseball Research (SABR)

Bob Sproule, Society for Baseball Research (SABR) (July 11, 2011):

First, How did the association and your chapter start?

SABR began as an organization in 1971. To my knowledge the Pittsburgh Chapter, or Forbes Field Chapter, has been around since the early1990’s.

How did you get interested and involved?

I first joined SABR sometime in the 1980’s. This was pre-internet days and everything was done via mail. I had joined primarily to receive the publications that SABR produces. I never really got involved, and I had other things going on in my life, so I let the memebership lapse.

I rejoined in 2001, and I can’t really remember why. By then, though, I had discovered that there was a fairly active Chapter in Pittsburgh. The Internet also expanded the world of SABR. My first true involvement came in 2003 when Ed Luteran and I did a presentation at the Pirates FanFest that year on the first World series in 1903 between the Pirates and the Boston Americans (they were not yet the Red Sox!).

Who uses your data and how?

Not sure I can fully answer that. I know that SABR as a national organization does work with MLB teams in sharing some statistical data. An arrangement is in place with the Pirates to do so, for example.

There’s occasional pushback by some on the overemphasis of statistics in baseball. How so you respond to that concern?

I suppose that I am old school to the extent that I believe that there is indeed too much emphasis on SABRmetric type stats. For example, we had a member a few years back present some stats that “proved” that Ronny Paulino was a better catcher than Jason Kendall. Really?

I also think that when SABRmetrics are used as a basis to award a Cy Young Award to Felix Hernandez with 12 wins then I think that the obsession with these stats has run amok. But that’s just me.

Why do you think statistics hold such an overwhelming appeal for baseball fans, even compared to other sports?

I think that stats in baseball are important because they are a way to measure, compare, and argue about players from different eras. How does Greg Maddux compare to Sandy Koufax to Warren Spahn to Lefty Grove….you get the idea.

Of course, the steroids era has put a whole new spin on such arguments, but that is a whole other issue.

Any examples of how your statistics have made a difference with a player or team- especially with the pirates?

You only have to be a casual fan to realize that Neal Huntington is a “SABRmetric” guy.

I think that the Pirates, and all of baseball, are using these newer statistical models in conjunction with older style of scouting methods, if only to get every possible bit of information before them as they comtemplate making decisions that could and often do involve multi-millions of dollars, which the signing of Gerrit Cole will mean.

Any last thoughts for readers?

People should realize that SABR is a number of things.

The image is of a group of stats-freak, baseball nerds who sit in front of computers all day and come up with all of these arcane statistics. Do some of these people actually watch a ball game?

There is that element to it, of course, but SABR is also, primarily, I believe, a group of baseball fans. Men and women who love to watch a ballgame, argue about it, compare different eras, and simply enjoy the game and its history.

The Pittsburgh Chapter is primarily comprised of those kinds of fans. We meet on a formal basis twice a year – in the Spring and the Fall. We also gather for two informal “hot stove” sessions in the winter and summer.

At our formal meetings, we do have members give presentations on any topic that they may have researched on their own. Topics have ranged from locating home plate at Exposition Park to the history of Greenlee Field to the 1909 World Series to the Hollywood Stars as a Pirates farm club to…well, you get the idea.

We also like to try to get guest speakers (Bob Friend, Chuck Tanner, Steve Blass, Dave Littlefield, and Frank Coonelly have been our guests in the past) and visiting authors.

Our informal hot stove sessions are just that – informal. No agenda, no speakers, no presentations…just people gathering together to have a sandwich and beer or soda to talk baseball. Our next session is set for Wednesday, August 10 at the SoHo Restaurant in the Springhill Suites across from PNC Park. Anybody should feel free to stop on down and join us.

I would also use this forum to appeal to anyone to join SABR and become a part of the Forbes Field Chapter.

Info on joining can be found at www.sabr.org, or please feel free to drop me a note at rfsmms@verizon.net

Jim Wexell

Jim Wexell Interview (January 29, 2011):

Where can fans find you – online, in print and elsewhere?

I’m at SteelCityInsider.net.

Tell us about the books you’ve written – what have been your biggest takeaways from the books you wrote – what are some of the biggest things you learned and/or realized because you wrote these books?

I’ve written three books: Tales From Behind the Steel Curtain, Men of Steel, and Steeler Nation. The first two were for a publishing house that has since gone bankrupt and left a trail of I.O.U.s. Someone told me he bought one of them at Amazon for $70. Are you kidding me? Anyway, another publishing house is buying them and yhey’ll be made available at regular rates again.

I did Steeler Nation myself and it worked out. I had all the control and, frankly, made more money. I’m not telling you this to brag, I’m just taking a long time getting to the most important thing I’ve learned: If you think you can market it yourself on the Net, do it.

A photographer and I thought we had an agreement with Hines Ward to do his biography. Later, we found out Hines hired a writer from New York to do it. I heard Hines talking about it on the radio and so I asked him about it the next day. He said his agent hired the writer, that he thought it would be best for Hines to go with the people who did Bettis’s book, and that they’d be able to find a publishing house easier with this writer. I told Hines that sounds fine, but now he’ll be paying his agent, his writer, and his publishing house and to watch that he’s not left with a trail of IOUs some day.

I told him to watch out for this and that, told him he could’ve marketed it himself on the Net just as easily, and he said, “Man, we should sit down some day and go over this.” I told him he didn’t need to be adding me to his growing payroll. But my point is that I’ve learned this: Don’t let people steal your money!

As far as what I’ve learned about the Steelers, from my road trip book, I’ve learned about their families. I’ve become interested in them as people. Now when they see me coming in the locker room they don’t say, “Oh, what does this guy want from me now?” Because a lot of times we’re just shooting the breeze, whether it’s their brother, mother, or how their college football team did over the weekend. So that’s a tip for aspiring reporters to go along with the previous tip for aspiring authors. I feel bad for the 99 percent reading this who just want to know something about the dang team.

What would surprise fans most about this Steelers team?

And here’s where I don’t have anything for you. I would be surprised if Steelers fans can still be surprised. Since this is a Net interview, I’m sure these readers are the most-informed fans of this team. I’m sure they know everything that I do. I’ll hope to provide something in the coming questions.

What are some of the most memorable players and coaches you experienced covering the Steelers – and what made them so? Any experiences you can relate about those players?

I’ve covered them since 1995 and since 1998 I’ve been sharing my experiences every day. I really wouldn’t know where to begin to answer those questions.

To me, Anthony Madison is just as memorable as Greg Lloyd. I still think I see Corey Holliday in the cafeteria every day. Um, one image just flashed into my mind, was the way rookie Aaron Smith used to watch the media and team interact. He sat there alone, a mid-round rookie without any attention, and he was an eagle-eye. He’s since become a team spokesman with whom I have a great relationship.

I think about him when I see people like Jonathan Dwyer doing the same thing as a mid-round rookie these days. You have to be nice to begin relationships with even the most uninteresting rookie, because you never know who they’ll grow up to become.

What are some of the most memorable experiences you had covering the Steelers – and what made them so?

I feel like James Harrison trying to dodge these questions because I don’t have the quick-twitch memory that so many of today’s best sportswriters have. Man, I could sit down with Vic Ketchman and listen to his detailed memories of the 70s Steelers for hours. Ed Bouchette’s the same way. Gerry Dulac. Dale Lolley. These are sharp people.

I’m not nearly in that realm, and that’s why I’m glad I’ve kept all my daily notes and quotes. My first day with Harrison was memorable. I asked him about Jack Lambert and the Kent State connection and Harrison, on his first day of spring camp as a rookie, blasted Lambert for never having come around. “You’re supposed to be this all-time great, but you never came around and blah, blah, blah …” Anyway, I asked James recently if he’s ever heard from, or met, any of the 70s linebackers. He told me he received a letter from Lambert after Harrison’s wrecked the Ravens in his great 2007 game, and he told me the letter meant a lot ot him. I was happy for James and for Lambert, who remains a literary idol of mine because of his prolific letter writing. It’s so old school and very cool and courteous and smart. I’ve got to write more letters to people when they do great things. I’ve got to be more like Jack Lambert.

We heard Tomlin speak out recently about media members revealing “in house” information. How do you draw the line between what you report on and what you decide not to report on?

My readers have been good about this. They understand I can’t report tactical information gleaned from practice, whether it be position changes, injury replacements, interesting plays, whatever. You know something can help the opposition when you see it. That I don’t — even in message board interaction — exploit this in order to get more subscribers, I think, is appreciated by the readers I already have. They appreciate that I’m not going to become sensationalistic to make sales; and I appreciate that they re-subscribe year after year so that I have a base that I can count on to eat. And I really don’t need to eat steak. I’m happy with salami sandwiches and the best office in the world — the press box.

Getting to the Green Bay game – how does this defense attack that explosive Green Bay offense – especially one that performs so well in a dome?

Hmmm. You think I’m smart, do you?

First, stop the run. I like what James Starks has brought to GB, but I believe he’s got a fumble in him with that large strike zone. He hasn’t done it yet, so that means he’s due. But don’t believe this team will Brady you with 40 consecutive passes. Play that run and look for blitz opportunities when they’re “behind the chains.” And keep sprinkling in that press man that seems to have become so useful since the Brady disaster at mid-season. Just keep doing what they’ve been doing.

On offense, what do you see as the biggest vulnerability of the Green Bay defense and how do you think the Steelers attack it?

I may have watched them twice this year. I usually ask these questions. By the numbers, they’re average against the run, but with Raji coming on strong (vs. a backup) and the Steelers having been so average with their run game, and their lack of patience with it, that won’t be the edge. I think it could be the short underneath stuff to all of those speed guys, and I’m including Heath Miller, an athletic TE. The Packers’ WRs may have the better reputation and numbers, but these Steelers WR are coming on, and they are fast — Mendenhall included.

How important is the fact that many of the Steelers players and coaches have been to the SB before – is that a decidedly large advantage or overplayed? And why?

Absolutely. Here’s another long, bore-ass story about myself: On Monday morning, before I even knew whether my wife and daughter would get tickets, I bought them airfare. I saved about $400 by doing that right away. On Tuesday, I e-mailed the league to confirm my media credential. They did not have it, so we began a 2-day process to get the paperwork done on that. On Wednesday, I called the hotel to confirm my reservation. They did not have that, so we began what’s now been a 4-day process to slash through that mound of paperwork. On Thursday, my 2 tickets were confirmed, so the airfare didn’t go for naught. Now, had I not covered 3 Super Bowls previously, I would’ve assumed all would’ve been taken care of. And next week I’d be living on some street in Forth Worth, and a couple grand to the bad. That’s just my story.

Think of that and add game preparations to the list. Experience is huge.

Who or what do you see being the “surprise” difference-maker in this game – for both teams – and why?

I’m worried about Andrew Quarless, the rookie TE from Penn State. I thought he was such a good player at PSU but knew he had too much baggage for the Steelers to draft this year.

And that gets me into another topic: It’s really pissing me off how lousy journalists are shaping the facts and ripping the Steelers as some kind of hypocrites because they project themselves as “a paragon of virtue” but yet are as dirty as the rest, and these hacks are shaping the myths surrounding Ben, Harrison, Hines etc. to their liking.

Well, the draft is the lifeblood of this team. And all of your readers know they’ve hurt themselves by consistently down-grading prospects who’ve been in trouble. At the Senior Bowl, Phil Taylor was the best player on the field. He was a man amongst boys.

Do you think the Steelers will get him? Not a chance. He was kicked out of Penn State and may as well have been kicked off the Steelers’ draft board. But the point is the draft is their lifeline and they do their best to draft good people (and it’s not for some altruistic aim that will surely please their owner; it’s because good people make for good teams, as evidenced). But anyway, because of Andrew Quarless, I can prove that the Steelers are indeed a paragon of virtue and screw anyone who has an agenda coming into their story or talk show and uses these myths as vindication

Whew. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. As for your question, I see no surprises from the Steelers. I think it’s Ben’s MVP trophy to win or lose.

A recent ESPN report says LeBeau could go to AZ next season when his contract expires – any accuracy there? What are your thoughts?

No. Arizona’s waiting on Keith Butler. The Steelers, intelligently, want to make sure LeBeau re-ups before giving Butler the OK to head west.

Its early, but still, what are the main priorities for this team in the offseason?

Forget about free agency because of the lockout. In the draft, it’s value, value, value. Any idiot like me can say they need another O-lineman or another cornerback, but as long as either position presents value they will remain the annual contender they’ve become.

Pittsburgh has a new football team in the Pittsburgh Power – what do they have to do to win over Pittsburgh fans? What are your thoughts about this new team?

We who live in Pittsburgh will give our pocketbooks a rest until next September. Any new league needs to serve as some type of minor-league team for the Steelers for the discerning fan in these parts.

Any last thoughts for Pittsburgh Sports Daily Bulletin readers?

Sorry for going so long on some of these. As I said, there’s really not much more that can be known about the Steelers. Hope I didn’t bore you by talking so much about myself. Take care.

Don Skwar, ESPN

Don Skwar, Senior News Editor, ESPN (March 9, 2011):

First, can you briefly explain you role as Senior News Editor at ESPN – what that entails?

I oversee the Event news editors – there are eight of them – whose job it is to ensure the editorial directionof the games that are on ESPN’s various networks as well as ABC. I also oversee the bureau reporters and producers, whose job it is to report on various breaking news and feature and enterprise stories that will make their way onto ESPN’s various programs.

You seem to be very involved in the development of journalists – as the President of the APSE (Associated Press Sports Editors) and with your work at the Sports Journalism Institute. What advice would you give young journalists trying to get started today?

I actually don’t have a role with SJI, although one of the people who works with me – Sandy Rosenbush – is a co-founder of SJI. I was the president of APSE back in 2001-2002. As to what advice I’d give to young journalists trying to get started today: Same as I gave in the ‘80s, ‘90s and ‘00s – make sure you’re passionate about your work, because the long hours and grunt work won’t seem like work at all; be fair and balanced in your reporting; and realize the importance of being right, not first.

What have been some of the most exciting – and most difficult – stories you’ve overseen in the seven years that you’ve been at ESPN?

The Tiger Woods controversy. Barry Bonds’ pursuit of Hank Aaron’s home-run record. The BALCO/steroids issue. And by the way, I was involved in the coverage of all of these, but I wouldn’t say I oversaw them.

As advertising revenue on the web becomes harder to maintain, how are you able to leverage your content to find alternative sources of revenue? What’s worked – and what hasn’t?

I’m not involved in dotcom, so that’s hard for me to answer. I do know that ad placement is key, as is the charging for our Insider package – and we’re able to do that because of the talented insiders we have. And that only comes because we’ve outlaid money to get them. Some things never change: Money does help to beget money.

How do you differentiate yourself from the ever-increasing number of independent news sources -blogs, twitter….how do you deal with those as information rivals?

They’re very real, and very immediate. The landscape for competing media has changed drastically in the last five or so years. We need to be aware of that competition but, as I mentioned above, we also have to be sure we’re right, not necessarily first. It’s great to be first, but not if you’re wrong.

I also think that some blogs and sites don’t really care about being accurate as much as they want to get the word on the street out there and let the readers decide if it’s true or not. While that’s an interesting philosophy, I still think readers will have a greater tendency of returning to a source of news that is reliable and accurate.

What are your big objectives for 2011 at ESPN? Any specific objectives you are looking to accomplish?

I’ve got a new job heading my way in a few weeks: as the overseer of the weekend SportsCenters. The amount of talent on the various SportsCenters is overwhelming, and it’ll be humbling to work among that talent. I look forward to it, nonetheless.

From a Pittsburgh perspective, some fans have complained about the fact that ESPN’s sports coverage has become too general and nationally focused for the Pittsburgh market. Radio stations have removed local broadcasting in Pittsburgh, for example. Can you explain how you have addressed the need to create more locally-focused content portals for Pittsburgh fans and what future plans for doing so might entail?

I don’t know enough about what’s going on in the Pittsburgh market to comment intelligently on this. I do know we’ve started and have been successful with local dotcoms in five major markets – Boston, New York, Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles – and there’s always a possibility we could expand into more markets in the future.

There is an increasingly large number of stories covering the personal and legal lives of sports figures. How do you determine what to publish these stories and when you have enough information to cross the line from a potential story to a story you decide to run?

It’s really a case-by-case basis, with the popularity of the person, the severity of the crime and several other factors coming into play. As to the legal side of things, we will run a story if an athlete has been charged. We won’t necessarily run it if that athlete has been accused. We also weigh how much play that story might be getting in other media outlets. So a lot of issues and circumstances have to be out there.

How do you address those who say ESPN is too closely tied into the leagues/teams it covers and sometimes appears biased or unwilling to tackle stories that are negative towards those leagues and teams?

We definitely have ties to leagues and teams. We’re rightsholders with a lot of them. But I can say unequivocally that our affiliation – large or small – with a team, a league or a player doesn’t interfere with our pursuit of any story.

Any last thoughts for readers?

Just to hit ‘em straight.

Justin Evans-Riverhounds

Justin Evans, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Riverhounds (April 16, 2011):

First, can you tell us about yourself – your playing and coaching experience?

I grew up in the South Hills of Pittsburgh (Peters Township). I was the 1st player ever signed by the Riverhounds Organization in 1999. I had a 10 year Pro career. Played a couple of years in the MLS for the San Jose Earthquakes, Chicago Fire, and the Dallas Burn. Played two seasons in Poland; one season in the Polish 1st Division and one season in the Polish 2nd Division.

Also played in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) for four seasons. Last year was my 1st year as a Professional Head Coach, after being player/Asst. Coach for the Riverhounds in 2009.

Can you tell us a bit about the Riverhounds – the team, league and where/how fans can watch the team?

We return a solid core of last year’s team who made the Playoffs for the 1st time since 2006.

This off-season, we added some players, including four players with MLS experience, that should help us be a better team this season. Also in the off-season, we have moved into a new League (USLPRO), which is the League right below MLS. Their are 15 teams in our League across the country, which also includes a Carribean contingent.

We play our Home Games at Chartiers Valley High School and fans can find our schedule at www.riverhounds.com

For those new to the Riverhounds, what should they look for in your team and league in terms of style of play?

In terms of style of play for our team this season, we are going to look to continue to build on last years success. We had the stingiest defense in the League last year and we return the “Goalkeeper of the Year”- Hunter Gilstrap and the “Defender of the Year” – Shintaro Harada.

As I said earlier, we made brought in some key offensive acquisitions to help us score goals and be a dynamic offensive team as well this year. The League will be very competitive and all of the games will be exciting!

What is the fan experience and how does it differ from other sports?

The fan experience in the game of soccer is different than most other sports. There are rarely any stops in the game, so there is constant action for 2- 45 minute halves. It is more like hockey in terms of the continual action throughout the game.

The season has just gotten underway. How is the team looking – what are your expectations this Year?

We lost our first game on the road to Richmond (2-1). However, our team goals never change…we work to win the Championship every single year. That is the mentality of our team and our Organization.

How do you recruit players? Are most local?

Finding players keeps my coaching staff busy throughout the off-season. We host both Open and Invitational Player Combines here in Pittsburgh. We also attend other combines.

Also, we are very active in contacting college and Pro coaches about players to see who is available and what we need for our team each year. We do have a nice contingent of local players, who are important in helping to bring the Pittsburgh attitude to the team.

Who are the standout players to watch for on this team?

Besides Hunter Gilstrap and Shintaro Harada mentioned above, we return Chad Severs, our team Captain this year and leading goal scorer from last season. Jason Kutney, Louie Rolko, and Sterling Flunder return as defenders from last year’s stingy defense. We added Jason Yeisley, Boyzzz Khumalo, Kyle Veris, and Sammy Appiah who all have MLS experience on their resumes.

What non-game related activities do you offer – i.e. training, schools, etc.

The Youth aspect of our Organization is huge. The Riverhounds Academy has grown to 550 players this past Winter and we are a advanced technical training Academy for youth players aged 5-15 years old.

We also offer Riverhounds Summer Schools all over the Greater Pittsburgh area throughout the summer.

Youth players can also take part in our “Train with the Pros” program through our individual and small group training offerings year round.

How are you and the team helping to get Pittsburgh kids to play soccer?

All of the mentioned above. As well as our player appearances that occur throughout the summer.

What’s the next step up from the USL Pro League? Where do players go next and how does that process work?

The next step for the players would be Major League Soccer (MLS). The hope of the Organization is that we would be able to help every player play at the highest level that they can during their soccer career.

If players have a good season, MLS teams have scouts and they would be pulled in for a tryout. I believe that the USL PRO League has expressed interest in expanding throughout the country and I believe that they will be successful in their quest to do just that.

Any examples of players that have played for the Riverhounds and have risen to the MLS or other pro leagues?

Boyzzz Khumalo is a player that played for the Riverhounds in 2008. After a stellar season, he was picked up by DC United and played there for two seasons. He is now back to help the Hounds be successful this summer.

What would surprise fans about this team?

I think that fans are always surprised by the players accessibility.

Fans who have been to a Hounds game know that after every game, everyone is welcome onto the field to talk to the players, as well as being able to get their picture and an autograph from their favorite player(s).

Any other thoughts for readers?

We look forward to another exciting summer of soccer and we appreciate your support of our Organization!

Randy Baumann – WDVE

Randy Baumann – WDVE Morning Show Interview (March 3, 2011):

First, where can readers find you on the air and online?

They can find me on 102.5 FM www.dve.com @DVERandy and on Facebook

What’s the best thing about your job – and is there anything coming up on your show that fans should watch out for soon?

Best thing about the job has to be working with a tremendous amount of talented people and getting paid to goof off. I think people are really going to dig what DVE has planned for the web. They’re making a concerted effort to be THE site for both expatriate Pittsburghers and those still living here.

Who’s funnier – you or Jim?

Jim. Wait, I thought you asked ‘Who smelled funnier’. Still Jim. But no, really- Jim

Tell readers something about yourself that we’d be surprised to know.

I’m Banksy

Who are the sports journalists and broadcasters that you follow most closely, and why?

Locally Collier leads the way, but I like Molinari, Dejan, Rossi and Bouchette. Nationally, I’m so immersed in the web each day that I usually follow what guys are doing online.

So Peter King, Bill Simmons, Jason Stark, Deadspin guys, whomever is writing on my Fantasy league sites.

A special nod goes out to the Pensblog guys, who provide great satire/coverage of the Penguins. Somebody should really be paying them to do that because, to my knowledge, no other website has ever defined a sense of humor and created a language for an entire fan base. THATS influence.

What teams and players do you follow most closely?

The two local pro teams and the Pirates.

What have been some of the more interesting Pittsburgh sports figures you’ve met and what made them so?

Mario. People stand up straighter when he walks into a room. I’ve seen it. People straighten up like caddies as Lacie Underall walks past them

Which Pittsburgh sports figures that you have encountered had the best senses of humor – and how so?

Brett Keisel has an awesome dry sense of humor. He’ll never be known for it because the beard looms too large, but he should be known for it. Max Talbot and Colby Armstrong together could at times be fall down funny, Steve McKenna was a natural comic, much like Josh Miller, and the entire Pirates front office is hilarious.

Ward on Dancing with the Stars. Thoughts? Is this almost too easy? Are you going to ride him for this and how bad will his teammates do so?

As long as he dances to ‘Renegade’ every time, I’m fine with it.

What’s your funniest/most shocking on-air experience with a Pittsburgh sports figure?

Edgar Snyder hijacking a segment with Myron Cope, where he proceeded to bring up a couple of things that Myron would’ve rather he didn’t. The message on our producers voicemail after that show would’ve been Lee Elia good. I’m glad it got erased.

Any last thoughts for readers?

I think the Pittsburgh Power has a legitimate shot at a division title.

Marty Fischman

Marty Fischman, NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor

First, can you walk readers through how and why you became an agent and offer advice for any who would wish to do the same?

I became an agent for several reasons. At a very early age, I decided that I wanted a job that allowed me to combine my passion for the game of football and my passion for helping people. Over the years, the more I began to learn and grow as a person, the more certain I became that representing athletes was my calling.

There really is no sure-fire way to become an agent. In 2009, I earned a J.D. and a certificate in Sports Law from Tulane University Law School, and formed the sports agency Fischman & Smith Sports. In 2010, I became a licensed contract-advisor with the NFLPA, and partnered Fischman & Smith Sports with Dynasty Athlete Representation.

For those who wish to become an agent, I would definitely recommend law school. While law school certainly does not prepare a future agent for the day-to-day activities of the trade, it provides a great educational background for anyone wishing to negotiate player contracts.

In addition to law school, I would recommend finding work experience. The summer after my first year of law school, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for the now defunct sports agency, Executive Sports Management (ESM). ESM represented over 50 collegiate coaches and a handful of NFL and CFL coaches. Although I did not get experience in representing players, my role in reviewing contracts, marketing clients to potential job openings and observing contract negotiations, provided me with a great experience as to what the day-to-day business of a sports agent entails.

If you are unable to find work with a sports agency or a law firm representing athletes you are not out of luck. I think a huge benefit to anyone wishing to become an agent would be to work with a players’ union, league office or a professional team.

How do you decide on who to target to represent and do you ever turn players away? If so, for what reasons?

Thus far in my young career, I have been fortunate to have represented players that were referred to me through mutual friends. However, my partners and I have compiled lists of potential prospects in our respective states, cities, universities, etc., whom we feel would be good targets to approach about representation.

Occasionally, I am forced to turn players away. I turn players away if their request for representation comes at a time that would be deleterious to my fiduciary duties to my other clients (such as weeks before the draft). I also turn players away if their resume/body of work indicates they have no realistic chance of being signed to a professional sports team.

There are some athletes that believe if they have an agent, they will sign with a team. If that were the case, everyone in my flag football league would have an agent!

How are the CBA negotiations affecting you – what worries you most about what a new agreement could entail?

The suit against the NFL is affecting me in that I am now required to advise clients about the unknown. I am representing two clients in this year’s draft, and both are likely to go undrafted. I had a client ask me today if we could find other job opportunities for him if there is no season. While sending guys to the CFL seems like a viable option, CFL player contracts are minimum 2 yr deals, so signing a CFL contract could thwart a kid’s chances of having an opportunity to play in the NFL.

What are the biggest misperceptions most players have when entering the contract negotiation process – especially as rookies?

That they have finally “made it.” Guys haven’t made it just by signing an NFL contract. It is very rare to see a contract where every component is “fully guaranteed for skill, injury and cap.”

Other than the first round guys, the only component of a drafted player’s contract that is guaranteed is his signing bonus. For most rookies, they will have to earn every cent of their contract. Unlike in other pro other sports, an NFL player’s contract is not guaranteed (unless otherwise stated) and can be terminated at the team’s whim.

How do you prepare rookies for the pro game – and for life after college?

Sometimes, the combine training facility will have psychologists and former players to serve as mentors, but some facilities we have used do not have those amenities. Additionally, I try to serve as a mentor for my clients, by stressing the importance of staying out of harm’s way and focusing on the goal of making it into the NFL.

I remind clients all the time that they are entering one of the toughest job markets in the world. In order to earn a job playing football in the NFL, they must make the necessary sacrifices.

I urge all of my clients to get their degrees, even if it requires them to go back to school in the offseason. I also help them with non-football resumes in the event that their football careers do not last as long as anticipated.

With more and more of players’ personal lives – especially legal issues – becoming public, how do you prepare players to protect themselves from these situations and has that become a bigger part of your player preparation?

For the same reasons I’ve mentioned above, I prepare players by showing them real-life examples of how current and former players have screwed up their finances and in some cases, their careers, by making poor off-the –field decisions. I urge our clients not to post anything on twitter or facebook that is lewd or could be misinterpreted.

Can you give a quick run-through on how a standard contract negotiation/process would work in the NFL?

For rookies, most agents wait at least til the pick in front of them signs. Once that happens the negotiation for the agent generally goes much easier. A team gives an original offer, followed by an agent’s counter-offer, and it goes back in forth until the two sides reach agreement.

However, because each team is limited by its rookie pool number, the negotiation process for an agent does not always become easier even if the picks both directly in front of and in back of their client have signed.

Regarding veteran contracts, the market value is usually clearly established although there are some cases where an agent has inflated their client’s market value to such an extent that he ends up having to take less than what his client’s true market value probably was had he not inflated his market value in the first place.

Do you represent any Steelers players (or have you in the past)? If so, can you let us know which players?

I have not.

What tends to be the most frustrating part of the job?

1) When a player screws up off the field and decreases his market value to teams. 2) When teams pass on a client that you believe has the ability to play in the NFL.

Max Malone – Pittsburgh Penguins ‘ Hockey in Pittsburgh Program

Max Malone, Pittsburgh Penguins ‘ Hockey in Pittsburgh Program (June 29, 2011)

Hockey in Pittsburgh really seems to have improved tremendously with area players like Gibson, Saad, Miller, Trocheck and Houser all ranking high for the NHL draft. What do you attribute this to?

First and foremost, the hard work and dedication of those players paired with the outstanding coaching that is now available in Pittsburgh has led to many talented players coming out of our region.

When hockey first exploded in Pittsburgh in the early 90s due to the arrival of Mario Lemieux and the two Stanley Cups most of the coaches were parents being exposed to hockey for the first time. With this second generation of players coming through the system they are able to learn from more and more coaches who played the game at a high level.

Also, a lot can be said of the players in our area being able to witness different elite levels of hockey in Pittsburgh from a young age, such as the Men’s and Women’s Programs at Robert Morris University & Merchyhurst College and soon to be PSU Program, the Youngstown Phantoms [USHL] and the different AAA programs in the area.

How does your organization make hockey more accessible to more children in the Pittsburgh region?

We have quite a few programs that make hockey more accessible to children in Pittsburgh, beginning with the distribution of free tickets to children for one of our pre-season games each season, followed by Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins Learn to Play Program which provides free equipment for 1,000 children each season, the YMCA Junior Penguins an after school hockey program for 3,300 children, hosting the 84 Lumber PIHL Penguins Cup Championship at the CONSOL Energy Center and our NHL Hockey is for
Everyone Programs – Pittsburgh ICE, the Steel City Icebergs and the Pittsburgh Mighty Penguins.

How does the Penguins organization get involved in these activities?

We are involved in a variety of ways from actually operating camps, clinics or other programs to promoting local events and providing financial support to various organizations.

Where/how do you think you can you improve?

We have been suggesting that it may make sense to restructure the AAA hockey scene in Pittsburgh, by establishing one truly elite program. Currently there are quite a few AAA programs in operation, many of which are competing for the same player or coach year in and year out. We feel that if we can establish one truly dominant AAA Program in Pittsburgh, the level of play will increase at that level which will also benefit our local travel and high-school leagues. Obviously, we do not control any of the teams in the area
but that is one idea we would recommend.

We have also recently established three advisory councils with the help of local youth hockey stakeholders, which will aim to improve all aspects of hockey – financially, systematically and operationally.

The first council is composed of area Ice Rink Owners and Managers and will focus on ensuring sustainability amongst Western Pennsylvania’s network of ice arenas. The second council is a collection of local youth hockey leaders and will focus around improving all aspects of youth hockey. And the third council will focus on increasing participation and visibility of dek and inline hockey.

Also, we are looking forward to working with the PIRHL [Pennsylvania Interscholastic Roller Hockey League] on continuing to expand inline hockey. Currently, the league operates at five arenas and has three Varsity Leagues, three Junior Varsity Leagues, five Middle School Leagues and three Elementary School leagues. The PIRHL is expanding rapidly and is one of the largest Inline Hockey Leagues in the country.

The Penguins have been highly touted for their involvement in community affairs and the growth of hockey in the region. It appears to a major initiative of the organization – not just “something else they do”. How is this fostered through the organization and why is this so important to the Penguins?

It goes back to the old saying that ‘while a city’s Professional Sports team is a business, it is also a community asset.’ As a thank you for all of the support the team receives, the Penguins Ownership Group and Executives feel that it is important to give the young people of our region opportunities to experience the lessons that can be learned through sports and afford them the opportunity to be exposed to excellence, whether it is through one of our youth programs or witnessing the hard work, dedication and teamwork of our players on television or in the CONSOL Energy Center.

Some of our most recent community initiatives include Hockey in July at the CONSOL Energy Center, the Winter Classic Community Ice Rink at Stage AE, the 84 Lumber PIHL Penguins Cup Championships, the Ultimate Home Game and the Little Penguins Learn to Play Program – all of which are designed to increase exposure and participation in hockey.

Who have been some of the more well-known players to come through the Pittsburgh Youth Hockey Network?

To date, there have been over 100 Men and Women from Pittsburgh to play hockey at the NCAA, Professional or Major Junior level, each is just as exceptional as the next.

Recently, we have been highlighting the success of a few local prospects that were drafted at this past weekend’s NHL Entry Draft, they are JT Miller, Brandon Saad, Vincent Trochek and John Gibson – all drafted in the top 64 picks. Ryan Malone, RJ Umberger, Dylan Reese, Christian Hanson Mike Weber and Stanley Cup Winner Matt Bartkowski all put on an NHL Jersey this past season.

Lindsay Holdcroft, a freshmen Goaltender for Dartmouth was named ECAC rookie of the week twice, goaltender of the week and was honorable mention All-Ivy, as a true freshmen. A teammate of Lindsay’s, Erica Dobos, also had a career year for the Big Green. Hockey players from Pittsburgh are making an impact at every level of elite hockey and will continue to do so for many years to come.

What are some of the more successful/exciting programs you offer – and what makes them so?

Our most exciting and successful program is Sidney Crosby’s Little Penguins Learn to Play Program. The program offers free hockey equipment for children ages 4 to 7. The program is so exciting to us because through the generosity of Sidney Crosby, Reebok and Dick’s Sporting Goods we have been able to put over 2,200 children on the ice and it is amazing to see the enthusiasm in which the players take their first step on the ice and knowing all of the memories and lessons they will experience through hockey along the way.

Another exciting part of the Little Penguins Program is the number of girls that are now involved, this year 300 signed up for the program. Most of the girls participated in the co-ed program, although we partnered with four local arenas to host ‘Girls Only’ sessions. Girls Hockey in Western Pennsylvania is growing faster than in any other area of the country; participation has increased by 47% since the 2005-06 season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation has recently launched, Heads-Up Pittsburgh, which offers free Baseline IMPACT Concussion testing for all children registered to play hockey in the PAHL, PIHL as well as other local programs registered with USA Hockey. This initiative is groundbreaking and will help any concussed players receive the proper diagnosis and return to the ice in the correct timeframe.

Who are the players that get involved most – how do they do so and any fun anecdotes from their involvement?

All of the members of the team get involved in some way, shape or form including Ray Shero, Dan Bylsma, Todd Reirden and Tony Granato. Of course, Sidney Crosby is a leader amongst the players’ in-terms of community involvement, through the Little Penguins program and the rest of the team follows suit.

The players seem to really enjoy our ‘Drop in on Practice,’ as part of this series we will coordinate with local coaches and team managers to plan the arrival & participation of a Penguins player during their practice – the youth players have no idea. Penguin’s participants included Evegni Malkin, Kris Letang, Max Talbot, Mike Rupp, Mark Letestu, Deryk Engelland, Eric Tangradi, Chris Conner, Eric Godard and Ryan Craig.

Mike Rupp is also very active in the community through the UPMC Outdoor Charity Series and some of his own initiatives.

Any new programs being considered/implemented soon?

Our most recent addition, a Girls Hockey Camp was held last week at the Ice Castle in Castle Shannon, the entire Coaching Staff was female and included US & Canadian National Team Members, local AAA Coaches and Penguins Alumni.

We hope to announce a few additional youth programs shortly, stay tuned! Also, our three Advisory Councils will open the lines of communication with the youth hockey community and provide direction for future initiatives.

You have a wide array of programs you offer – from Ice hockey to in-line and Dek, women’s hockey and more – how do people get selected/enrolled in these programs?

All of our programs are first come, first served and we utilize all of our marketing platforms to get the information in the hands of the community – pittsburghpenguins.com, TV, Newspaper, Social Media, Email Blasts and in-game advertising.

What have been the most rewarding – and frustrating – elements of the various programs?

The most rewarding piece of our programs is knowing that the Penguins had the opportunity, and hopefully we do, positively influence young lives through hockey.

How has the success for the Penguins made things easier – and harder – for you and your programs?

The success of the Penguins on the ice has definitely created a huge spike in the number of children playing youth hockey.

Participation in both boys and girls hockey has increased by 26% in Pittsburgh since the 2005-06 season.

The popularity of Hockey in the area is at an all time high and our programs tend to sell out quickly and most arenas are booked solid.

Any last thoughts for readers?

We are focused on introducing children to the game of hockey and hope to encourage and promote a healthy and active lifestyle.

Julius Page, Pitt Basketball

Julius Page – Pitt Panthers (June 16, 2011):

First, can you tell readers about your Just Play Fitness venture – what makes it unique and where your locations are?

Everything with Just Play Fitness is going as planned. Of course I would have liked for it to happen sooner but it is coming sooner than what some people think. You know when I first got started a lot of my friends laughed at my timeline and said when dealing with people nothing happens when you want it….so that’s where I’m at.

What inspired this idea and how is it faring so far?

A friend of mine, Norman Childs from Eyetique told me to do something that I would enjoy doing everyday.

After thinking about it, I love to help people. My goal is to help people achieve whatever goals they want when coming to fitness. Also helping the high school student get ready for the next level.

Any lessons/learnings from playing basketball at Pitt that you’ve been able to apply to the business?

Sports and life in general go hand and hand. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. The best thing you can do is stay level. What I mean is I do not try to get to excited when things are going well or to down when they are not.

In sports you have to be the same way because the majority of the game is mental.

Speaking of Pitt, Jamie Dixon took over as Pitt’s head coach in your senior season at Pitt correct? How did things change for you under Dixon, and what were your concerns, if any, about the change?

When Jamie took over I really didn’t have any concerns. He knows the game of basketball…You know what kills me is when I hear people say he should be replaced. This is a guy who hasn’t missed a beat and is a class act away from the game. I hope he stays forever.

What can you tell readers about Dixon that would surprise readers/fans?

Dixon really cares about his players. If it’s best for you to leave early then he will tell you. He wants his players to play their game and not feel so pressed to make plays. He was a scorer in his day from what I hear.

Who were some of the teammates that you most enjoyed playing with at Pitt – and why?

I enjoy playing with everyone to tell you the truth. Brandin knew where I wanted the ball and was a good distributor- Jaron may have been the most unselfish player I ever played with. Ontario was the team clown always making people laugh- Chevy is Chevy…enough said lol. Our whole team had talent that’s why alot of the guys are still playing basketball today.

What were some of the games and opponents you remember most? What made them so?

I remember the UCONN battles because they were so much fun. I remember we lost to the Cuse because I helped off my guy and took a chance. And I remember finally winning at Notre Dame my senior year. That was the only time we won on their court…oh yea, I remember dunking on the guy from Georgetown but that’s
not my favorite…sike.

Was winning the Big East Tournament MVP in 2003 your biggest accomplishment at Pitt? If not, what do you feel was?

Graduating from Pitt is by far the biggest.

I recently went to a friend of mine’s wedding and during the reception they asked all Pitt Alum to take a picture together and it felt like a million people went to Pitt. A lot of guys where I am from can play ball but more don’t finish school. I’m glad I did.

The NBA draft is coming up soon. What do you remember about the NBA draft – did you expect to be drafted? What advice would you offer the few Panthers that could get picked this year?

NBA basketball is a job. Don’t get caught up playing for the money or focusing on the wrong things, just play basketball.

As far as me being drafted, it’s a lot of All Stars in the NBA that I held my own against. It’s only so many spots and it’s not many for a under size shooting guard. Make sure you ride the wave when the tide is high.

After college, what did you do to try to stay involved in basketball, and when/how did you decide it was time to start a new path?

I played basketball overseas and enjoyed it. I would still be playing today if I didn’t have any kids.

If you remember I had my son when I was a senior in high school. He is 11 years old now and I felt it was time to support his dreams and put mine to the side.

Do you follow the program today? What are your thoughts on the level of talent coming into the program now and the team’s ability to break into the Final Four soon?

I’m not surprised at all that we are getting All American kids. I mean think about it, you will be playing in the Big East, for a great coach & coaching staff, a top 10 program in the Pete which is like a NBA arena.

Don’t let me forget you can become a Steelers fan as well. As far as the final four goes….it really don’t mean a thing if you don’t win it all. Let me rephrase that, ANYTHING short of winning the title is Disappointing.

Do you work with any of the current and former players/coaches/staff at Pitt to help promote Just Play Fitness?

Right now I am so wrapped up it getting my business ventures together that I don’t make it around enough but hopefully that will change. I have some other things in the making that everyone will enjoy as well. I have some tricks up my sleeve lol.

Any last thoughts for readers?

I’m glad to call Pittsburgh my new home. For the most part even years after I played at Pitt people still show me a lot of love. On twitter I get the love all the time. I love to debate so follow me @juliuspage