A COACH'S VIEW FROM THE BENCH"
Brian Katz, 215 pages
The longtime head coach at San Joaquin Delta College and Sacramento State has collected numerous stories and anecdotes on and about him and his former players in his new book and it's an enjoyable, breezy, yet engaging read.
Intimate details, ones that never appear in newspapers or on-line are contextually presented, warts and all, and readers are provided an opportunity to truly learn about and understand the volatile life of a college sports coach as well as gain insight into what made some of his players tick. It sometimes appears (and definitely so in this book), that a college sports coach is required to be at least a part-time psychologist.
Katz presents his interactions with 13 of his former players and also provides updates on each of them at the conclusions of each chapter, a decision that provides a degree of closure. As a reader, knowing the "ending" of the main characters' stories is gratifying.
I particularly enjoyed the chapters on Jared Cozad and Mikh McKinney. Cozad walked on at San Jose State University (whose home games I attended) after playing for Katz at San Joaquin Delta College from 2003-2005 but eventually was scholarshipped after his first semester with the Spartans. It was fun watching him play with his unorthodox style and he was easy to root for because he gave his all every moment on the court.
I first witnessed McKinney in a high school all-star game and he stood out with his ability to create offense for himself. Nobody could stop him from getting wherever he wanted to on the court. I had no idea who he was but he eventually ended up playing and starring for Katz at Sacramento State from 2012-15. His journey from streetball ace to employing his collected hoops acumen to best advantage is detailed.
Critical background information provided about both Cozad and McKinney not only as basketball players but also as individuals is essential information as it draws the reader into their personal trials and tribulations as well as triumphs. Not just with this pair but also with each featured player is the why they are who they are, at least prior to their association with Katz. Katz must dig deep to determine how to communicate and "reach" the psyche of each young man.
The lives of Philip Ricci, Sam Kirby, Chris Walker, Dylan Garrity, Ajay Riding, Kevin Bland, Trevis Jackson and others are also presented as is Katz's own successes and foibles, making all fair game. But far from making anyone appear in a negative light, the style humanizes each former player as well as Katz and readers will often see glimpses of themselves in the details. Nothing is written to shame or embarrass; only to better understand what the individuals' issues were and how they were resolved.
The players always knew where they stood with Katz, who is drill sargeant tough with his lengthy practices but clearly lays out his expectations and doesn't back track when behavioral lines are crossed.
Readers will come away with so much heretofore unknown information in an in-depth look at each player Katz presents. This allows for greater appreciation of both player and coach.
Thank you Coach Katz for what you have provided. It's eminently readable and provides so much for readers to learn.
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