FINAL POST - March 27, 2012

So after a long time of contemplation and thought on a beach some 1,300 miles away over spring break, I decided that I would write one last blog to close out my career on a high note. I never really knew what direction this whole "Kuhn's Korner" thing would go in, or who actually read it, or what the perception of it would be to the readers and my peers. But to be honest, writing these posts and hearing reaction from those who truly do read them has been a lot of fun, and made my senior year pretty good.

Since I started this blog, a lot of things have changed. The S&P is up nearly 200 points, Kim Kardashian no longer is married and Tim Tebow is no longer a Bronco. As a team, we've had a really interesting season. We came out of the gates a little slow, as we let a few winnable games slip away. However, I think the younger guys are going to be able to look back on the season and view it as one big learning experience. In one of my earlier posts, I said that importance of practice and developing proper practice habits is imperative to our success on game night. Being a young team, we must learn that in this league, valuing each and every possession is paramount. This was evident throughout the season, as we lost a number of Big East and nonconference game by small margins. Being one of the oldest members of the team this year allowed me to step into a leadership role that many spectators from outside of the program would not recognize if they were just to watch games. Personally, I just hope that my younger teammates took the advice and experience that both myself and Charlie contributed throughout the season and bank that in their memory as they further their careers.

As for me, this final blog gave me an opportunity to take a trip down memory lane and relive a lot of good times throughout my four years "On the Banks." Following our loss to Villanova in the Big East tournament this year, the locker room had an odd feel to it. As an athlete, knowing that your season has come to end always leaves a pit in your stomach; only to know that come next year you'll be at it again. But that wasn't the case. Not for me. As I was walking out of Madison Square Garden, Jim Carr and I were holding a conversation which would be my last exit from an arena as a player. He said, "Mike, you've had a long career here. Now, you're growing up, you're going to be successful, you're a good looking kid, you're going to have a great family. But the most important thing in life is time. Time is the most important commodity in life." I had to ask him to repeat his last few words, as I was caught up and keen to agree on the "successful, good-looking" comments he made earlier. But his words really did resonate with me, as I thought about my time as a basketball player in college. Throughout my four years, I've been both fortunate and lucky in my experiences. I've played with and against some of the best high school and college athletes who have gone on to become NBA lottery picks. I've met a number of celebrities and notable figures, and traveled all over both the country and the world just to play basketball.

Since the season has ended, I've had a number of talks with people who are out of college, and the best advice they've given me is to stay in college for as long as I can. Bills and work are two things that have actually made me think about changing my name to Mikale Kuhnawitski, growing a mustache, forging my place of birth to a place in Eastern Europe, and go to the West Coast and gain a new four years of eligibility. Not Possible? Anything is possible. Ask Kevin Garnett (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyjOy7fRzs0). But since I arrived at Rutgers four years ago, I've experienced a lot of grueling, physically taxing practices, which throughout the course of these, I'd turned to Charlie and say, "I can't wait to get the heck out of here." And to an extent, that statement still holds some validity. It's time to move on. But I am going to miss eating dinner with my teammates after practice, flying on team planes, and hearing Bill Raftery call onions..live!

Between one of the stops at Waffle House, Cracker Barrel, or a smoked BBQ station on my way home from Panama City Beach, in a packed sedan filled with sun-burnt Irishmen, I turned to one of my friends and said, "Man, I gotta get back in the gym and get some shots up when I get back." He paused, then looked at me like I had three heads, and said, "What are you talking about? You're done." That's when it really hit me. When you're young, basketball becomes your life and you become engulfed in everything associated with the game. Once you make the commitment to become a collegiate athlete, you are expected to make significant sacrifices that not many of your peers can attest to. I think I speak not only for myself but my teammates as well. I have not been home for Thanksgiving or New Years since I've been in college, and have sacrificed the majority of my summers since beginning AAU basketball in the seventh grade. But now that it is over, my summer's will no longer consist of getting shots up, dribbling drills, and suicides; however they will consist of Springsteen cover bands, days at the racetrack, and playing cornhole.

These last four years have been an awesome experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Actually, I would like to be interviewed by Erin Andrews. But seriously, for all of those who actually took the time out and read these posts, I thank you. My objective was to give all you guys an unconventional view on our program and it became much more than that. At least to me it did. My final shout-outs are to the best fans of mine, my family. Helena and Natalie. You guys were there since the beginning. Both of you raised the bar in your respective endeavors when we were younger and forced me to compete. Mom and Dad. There's nothing I can say on paper that would do both of you justice. You both sacrificed a lot for my sisters and me growing up and I couldn't have asked for better parents.

Scarlet Nation, it's been real.

Number 44 in your programs, Number 1 in your hearts,

Mike Kuhn

POST 6 - January 25

There are three things in life that truly make me angry, 1) Losing a game in FIFA 2) A NY license plate during the summer 3) Going to West Virginia.

So after a top-10 dub against UConn, we packed up our sneakers, jerseys, and camouflage and headed out on a five-day road trip to play Pittsburgh and West Virginia. Before I start, I want to make it clear that I have no personal vendetta or any ill hostilities directed towards any people from Pittsburgh/West Virginia. Actually, Pittsburgh ended up being a pretty cool city, after you got past the terrible weather, never ending Cracker Barrels, and the convenience stores, which "conveniently" closed at 7 pm.

On the road, we are constantly participating in basketball-related activities, such as practices, film sessions, walk-throughs, meals, etc. Although there isn't really ample time on the road to go out and chum it up with the locals, my teammates (mostly Charlie) and I turn to pranks to keep our minds occupied. Since this was our first road trip of the season, I must confess, our prank-etiquette was pretty rusty. All we were able to accomplish were a couple phony room-to-room phone calls and hiding in people's room and then jumping out to scare them. I know these are weak and need work. I have a few in the holster that I'm looking forward to bringing out on the upcoming-trips, so I will keep you posted.

Back to the trip - somewhere between Pittsburgh and West Virginia, pictures surfaced on the bus of my man Derrick Randall's old Myspace. For the older folks who are reading this, Myspace was essentially Facebook 10 years ago, a popular social networking website where young kids created souped up profiles because "everyone was doing it." It was only until we found out that it was Ken, 37, that was asking teenage girls to meet up at the mall did Myspace's popularity subside. However, D's page incorporated an elaborate photo album full of pictures of when he was a youngster growing up in BK (Brooklyn). Many of his pictures included captions that stated, "DaMn, I loOk G0oD!" with a couple "LoLz" and "RoTFl!" However, there was one pic of Derek standing with a skateboard and a throwback Yankee jersey on that was truly epic. I will do my best to try and post this to the public, however I must get consent from Skateboard D first, in which I may have to bribe him with ice cream or something. This kept us partially sane as we traveled to Morgantown, until we heard John Denver blasting. Only kidding…But seriously…

With the Big East season in full swing, our core philosophies of details, discipline, and determination have become more vital than ever before. Without a doubt, there has been a transformation and maturity among our younger teammates, as we have been able to capture three wins against seasoned Big East teams. The importance of practice and developing proper practice habits is imperative to our success on game night. Being a young team, we must learn that in this league, valuing each and every possession is paramount. The Georgetown game was true manifestation of that realization, as the game came down to the final 8 seconds.

Prior to the Georgetown conclusion, we were able to pick up solid wins against Pittsburgh and Notre Dame. Controlling the boards and knowing personnel was key to silencing the Oakland Zoo and the rest of the crowd at the Peterson Events Center. After the West Virginia bloodbath that you, me, and your mother would like to forget, we bounced back with another win over Notre Dame. Mike Brey is a great coach and always has his guys prepared. However, I think everybody on the team was eager to get back on the court and prove the West Virginia game was an anomalous performance.

In regards to the Georgetown game, we exerted a tremendous amount of defensive energy and pressure to stop their Princeton-style offense. Holding the No. 10 team in the country to just 29% shooting from the field truly exemplifies the effort we put forth on Saturday afternoon.

To wrap this thing up, I fell victim to peer pressure this past week and created a Twitter account. I honestly don't get the point of Twitter. It is basically the same thing as updating your status on Facebook. I remember when following someone was a creepy, weird act that made you a lot less popular. But today, Kim Kardashian has over 12 million "followers" and has her own TV show, so I guess it works for some. Disclaimer: Twitter does not ensure marital bliss, see previous sentence. So, for those of you who actually read this blog and want to hear more stuff from me (I don't know why you would) which is not modified by our Sports Information Department, follow me @team_kuhn.

This week, I want to shout out Gualano. You deserve this for many reasons: you were my roommate sophomore year and still, to this day, I cannot watch a Giants game with you. With that being said, I will score you a black RU bball tee for them making it to the Super Bowl. And finally, you consider taste-testing an actual form of employment. Shout out to all of our managers, you guys are awesome and are the reason Charlie and I can sneak out on the road. Only kidding. Shout out to Nick D, where you been at man?!

Hope to see everyone at the RAC this week when take on both DePaul and Cincinnati!

Number 44 in your programs, Number 1 in your hearts,

Mike Kuhn

POST 5 - January 10

How's it going everybody? It's good to be back on the Korner after a couple of weeks off. Since the last post, we've been through finals, the majority of Christmas break, two top 10 upsets, and now the start of the Big East season. We got a lot of catching up to do.

The conclusion of finals gave us some time to forget about academic-related issues and focus mainly on basketball and spending time with our families. After talking to the guys on the team, the consensus philosophy among us is to cram as much information from the previous four months into our brains and hope for the best. During finals week, "Club Alex" (nickname for Alexander Library that I'm assuming was given by some greasy Frat Brothers) transforms from a quiet place of study to somewhere Rutgers socialites come to catch up on Facebook.

Winter break is an optimal time for all guys, young or old, to take a break from that monotonous work week and do nothing but eat holiday leftovers and watch college football and basketball. Particularly, it gives all the freshmen guys the opportunity they've been thinking about all semester long. This is their chance to use their newfound, cool college kid status to woo those old high school girls, no matter how dorky you were back in those days. Chances are that you'll be playing your cards right because you've 1) done what it takes to be the most popular guy in your dorm (have football catches on the lawn, pretend to "study" in the common lounge, not remember the cute girl down the hall's name) 2) More than likely, that girl you used to like in high school who is now in college, put on the freshman 15, and is dying to get back with you. In this case guys, chuck up the deuces 3) Now that you're the man, use your charm on all those high school girls smitten by your swag. So get up, forget that you peed your pants in freshman gym class, and embrace your inner Trip McNealy.

Since the Jets pulled off the daily double of ruining both my Christmas and New Years, I've turned to college basketball as a way of channeling my emotions. Although there is no one in college basketball as quite entertaining as Rex, I've settled for Rice's angry antics for a way to keep me entertained. Since college basketball is in full swing, it provides guys the opportunity to ditch their wives/girlfriends for the night to go out with their buddies and watch games. The Florida game was a great example, as I got a number of calls and texts from my friends who were ditching their significant other to watch the game.

For those fans who were in attendance, you guys definitely witnessed one of the greatest wins in Rutgers basketball history. Coming into the game, we were well-versed in all of the Gator's personnel, set plays, and defensive tendencies. Our preparation in the days leading up to the game was excellent, and it showed that night. The energy manufactured by the fans at the RAC was an integral part to the win and is something that all the players feed off through the game.

Not only did we get help from the fans, but a couple guys stepped up and made some big shots. Towards the end of the second half, when The Eli Carter Show was on full display, Charlie and I began a drinking game predicated on when (or if) Eli Carter would pass the rock. Needless to say, Charlie and I were extremely dehydrated by the second OT as Eli was butter during crunch time. The Florida win really highlighted what our team can do when we work together and play as a unit. Collectively, we have great potential and need to utilize one another's talents to be successful.

The following week gave birth to a new Big East season. The next 18 games are what we have been preparing for all year long. I'd like to think that the Big East is hands down the best basketball conference in the country. Top to bottom, every single team has the ability to win games against high ranked opponents on any given night. Being both mentally and physically prepared for these games are essential for teams looking to climb the Big East standings. South Florida, West Virginia, and UConn all gave our new guys a taste of what the Big East is all about.

Both the South Florida and West Virginia losses revealed that we are still a young team, Becoming satisfied and placid after a big win is a common characteristic amongst immature teams. However this trait needs to be shed if we intend to make a run during our Big East conference schedule. One of the best things about the Big East is that you always get another shot to redeem yourself against a very good team. In our case, we were able to regroup and capitalize on Friday night versus UConn. As we approach a 5-day road trip to take on Pittsburgh and West Virginia, it will be interesting to see how we respond after another top-10 victory.

First off, I wanted to shout out all the fans this week. The energy in the RAC for the Florida and UConn games was absolutely terrific. We need your continued support and enthusiasm throughout the remainder of the season. Shout out to the guys in the Student Section with "Poole Party" painted on your chest. Although there were only nine guys, you were quick on your feet and cleverly assigned the two O's in "Poole" to the "bigger boned" fella of the group. Nice Touch. Shout out to the Blooms, miss you guys. Petrone, the best damn surfer on the Jersey Shore. Keep it up kid. Finally, to everyone who's reading this, make sure you come out to the next home game when we take on Notre Dame on January 16.

Number 44 in your programs, Number 1 in your hearts,

Mike Kuhn

POST 4 - December 16

Throughout history, various civilizations and cultures have adopted torture mechanisms to inflict pain on their victims in order to get them to confess or conform to their beliefs. Some of the most famous methods have included Chinese water torture, solitary confinement, and food deprivation. However, one method that caught my attention while I was Googling these gruesome techniques was a medieval device known as "The Rack."

After bypassing some nauseating photos, I was able to uncover the main purpose of this machine. Basically, they would stretch and put pressure on victims muscles and joints until they confessed and would act accordingly.

I'd like to inform ScarletNation that after this past weekend, Coach Rice and his staff should be credited with making significant contributions to their own "RAC" torture method.

Following both of our losses to LSU and Princeton, Coach Rice made it apparent to us that in the coming days, we should forfeit our "social agendas" and be prepared to enter the new and improved torture chamber, the Rutgers Athletic Center. For those of you who have not been to one of our practices, ordinary days consist of skill building drills, dummying half-court sets, and full court live action. During the competition drills, we split the team up into Red and Black and keep score. At the conclusion of each drill, the losing team would either have to run an up and down or a suicide (torture in itself).

However, when we took the court on Friday afternoon, there was an anxious aura swelling in the pits of every player's stomach. That feeling ended up being well deserved. For the next four hours, we were all puppets being orchestrated by the executioner himself (Coach Rice). His sick masterpiece he called practice included running, running, and more running. After each mistake, drills were stopped and we were instructed to either run suicides until he told us to stop, run from half court to the top of the RAC, or do pushups until we couldn't do anymore. Towards the end of practice, the mistakes we made began catching up to us as guy's bodies began to wear down. This continued on Saturday, as well as Sunday, as we prepared for Monmouth on Monday. Needless to say, I think the coaches made their point, that change is a necessary element which will dictate our future success.

Both the LSU and Princeton losses are games we wish we could get back. Our intense defensive effort was ultimately overshadowed by the lack of offensive maturity at the conclusion of the LSU game. Princeton's tactful and precise offensive execution was in full exhibition last Wednesday, as they were able to build a sizeable lead in the second half. Unfortunately, our second half comeback fell short, and we took our second loss in a row.

As a spectator, I know how frustrating it is to come to the game, cheer us on, only to witness a defeat in the waning moments. All of the players and coaches are doing everything we can to improve every day, as both individuals and as a team. We want to thank you for your continued support as we are going to need it as we approach conference play.

Now that final exams are in session, I must stop procrastinating with my study habits and actually do some work. Those managerial accounting assignments have actually caught up to me.

In closing, I'd like to shout out my man Bazzaz, "ninety-two percent!" Shout out to Huscar Kim. Huscar went out and purchased a vintage, throwback Rutgers 22 jersey and has demanded a refund. Although I've passed on the double deuces and can't get you your money back, I can get you a new 44 jersey under one condition: Bring a blow-up picture of Shooter McGavin to the first BIG EAST game. Congratulations to the future Mr. and Mrs. Steve Kopp, love you guys. Lastly, shout out to everybody who is reading this, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Number 44 in your programs, Number 1 in your hearts,

Mike Kuhn

POST 3 - December 2

Back by popular demand is the third edition of Kuhn's Korner. You know, when (Sports Information Director) Kevin Lorincz and I first came up with the idea for the blog, I didn't really know who or what type of overall audience it would attract. Now with two posts completed, all of sudden I have four new cousins, a new half-brother, and I've been contacted to appear on Maury. Only Kidding.

Because we were away in Mexico for the majority of the holiday break, I wasn't able to be home with my family for Thanksgiving. However, sometime between stuffing my face at the all-you-can-eat buffet at the resort and lying on the beach doing Sudoku puzzles, I mustered up the courage to call my family on Thursday. If you were to visit my house on Thanksgiving, you would find a smorgasbord of characters at the dinner table - aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, Mom, Dad, sisters, and Granny all passing the phone around at 12 p.m. and killing my optimal opportunity to work on my tan. Some 20 minutes later, between my Grandma telling me how handsome Tom Brady is and my cousin making fun of my sister's new boyfriend, my dad gets on the phone.

Usually my conversations with my dad are short and concise, but something was different that day. Maybe it was the L-tryptophan in the turkey that made him so tired that he was sleep talking to me. He said, "Mike, I read your blog, it's nice… But don't you think it should be shorter?" When I heard this, I immediately told Charlie to stop rubbing in the sunscreen lotion on my back and violently responded with my logic on how this blog is my vehicle to obtain the college dream - amass over 1000 friends on Facebook! Well if he didn't know, then he does now. And so do all of you!

Now that the Victoria Secret Fashion show is over, we can get started. Since I last posted, we've been super busy. Between the Triple Crown Cancun Challenge in Mexico and keeping up to speed with all of our schoolwork, we did not have a chance to experience an authentic Thanksgiving holiday. But being in the 85-degree weather in Mexico quickly erased the thought of turkey, stuffing, and my grandma's phenomenal pumpkin pie, and turned my thoughts to the beach, beautiful weather, and of course, basketball.

Before going on the trip, Kevin came to me, with a small digital flip camera and told me that he wanted me to record the trip so fans can see what traveling is like through the eyes of a player. My first thought was, "Is he serious? He wants to give me, out of all people, a camera in Mexico? Does he know what he is getting Inside Rutgers Basketball into?"

I agreed to document the trip, but made no promises that everything on the camera would make the television edit. Come to think of it, now I know why he didn't give the camera to Charlie (AKA Brett Favre).

Following the game vs. Hampton last Sunday, we had to hurry out of Piscataway and make our flight to Mexico, which was scheduled to depart at 6 p.m. After retrieving my boarding pass and assuming my assigned location in the middle seat, I prayed that God would be kind of enough to accommodate me with tolerable passengers to both of my sides. No luck. On the aisle side, was a Jiminy Glick lookalike who made it be known that the left armrest was his. Due to his rancid breath and loud breathing, I wanted no confrontation. To my left, however, was a cute blonde girl, whom I figured I could use my boyish good looks, irresistible charm, and smooth pick-up lines to schmooze her for the entire plane ride. However, when I went to use the "Do you know what movie is playing on the flight today" pick up line, she responded in a thick foreign accent, "No speak-a English." I turned forward, popped another gummy shark in my mouth, and put my headphones on to mask the sound of Sasquatch breathing.

Following the four-hour flight, we arrived at our destination, which I will now refer to as "CanKuhn" for the remainder of the post. When we arrived at the resort and the bags were all distributed to the respective rooms, Gilvydas' were missing. After pointing fingers and screaming Lithuanian explicatives, he came to the conclusion that his bags were left at the RAC. Needless to say, Gil wore the same red Rutgers basketball shorts and red polo for the remainder of the trip, resembling a dark-haired, tropical Santa Claus.

After settling in and learning that all the channels were in Spanish, we got a good night sleep and began our preparation for the tournament. The next morning, we went through our normal routine of practice, reviewing the scouting report and watching film of our upcoming opponent, Illinois State. It is extremely important to stay overly detailed, disciplined, and focused on the game plan, as a place like CanKuhn can present a number of distractions. The Redbirds were an older, more experienced team that ran a number of sets, which would put our defensive philosophy to the test. Unfortunately, their ability to make shots and our lack of maturity on both the offensive and defensive ends resulted in a 76-70 loss. Although we were discouraged, it's important for a young team, like us, to take this as a learning experience. Valuing the basketball and making free throws are essential components that can significantly affect the outcome of the game.

There was no time to feel bad for ourselves, as we had another game Wednesday against a very good Richmond team. Last year, the Spiders made it to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament, so they would prove to be another admirable opponent in our young season. Due to our inability to finish around the rim at the beginning of the game, we fell behind early, 17-2. Although, we were able to make a second half comeback, it was too little too late, as we fell 58-53. Needless to say, it was an exhausting two days for all of us that needed to be taken as a learning experience.

After playing three games in four days, Coach (Mike) Rice was nice enough to give us the day off on Thanksgiving to relax and enjoy CanKuhn. I had a hunch that after we laid an egg in the tournament, Rice took the day off to either a) Go cliff diving or b) Find some new, foreign talent on the streets of CanKuhn.

Following early morning study hall, Gilvydas (Biruta), Malick (Kone), (Coach) Corky (McMullen), Charlie (Rigoglioso), and I all went to get breakfast in the hotel. Earlier in the week, Gil mentioned on camera that every time he eats an omelet the morning of a game, he ends up with double-digit rebounds. All of us, intrigued by this statistic, decided we would document how successful he was during the two games. For anyone who checked the stats, Gil was unsuccessful during both games, dubbing his morning routine as the "omelet myth." So after a loss in Miami, where Gil ate Applejacks, and two losses in CanKuhn, where he ate omelets, it looks like we are starting to run out of breakfast foods for him to eat the morning of games. I guess the next move is pancakes and then possibly oatmeal? I don't know, but if anyone has any other suggestions please let me know ASAP and you will definitely get on the shout-out section of the blog. (This includes you, Brower Ladies!)

Most of us decided to take advantage of the tropical environment and go to either the pool or the beach. Before heading there, Charlie thought it was necessary for his fair-skinned self to buy sunscreen. However this turned in to be a debacle. When we first arrived at the resort, we were all given purple wristbands, which symbolized we were guests at the hotel. However, these purple wristbands prohibited us from using certain amenities the hotel had to offer, such as room upgrades, water sports, alcoholic beverages and so forth. Because the resort was all-inclusive, we decided to go to the hotel store and pick up sunscreen, figuring we could just state our room number and we would be fine. That was not the case. We spent almost 45 minutes in the store, arguing with the cashiers in Spanglish about how Charlie needs sunscreen or he will turn into lobster. To make a long story short, we never got the sunscreen and Chuck cooked like a Thanksgiving turkey in the sun and is still feeling the effects to this day.

After practicing Friday morning on the outdoor court of the hotel, which we named "Iguana Court," due to all of the reptiles circling the sidelines waiting to attack, it was time to head home. After returning home, we had 2 short days to prepare for UMBC. Losing two games in CanKuhn left us with a bad taste in our mouths, as we wanted to come out and make a statement against the Retrievers. We certainly came out with something to prove and a chip on our shoulder, as we secured a 94-56 W.

On a side note to fans, please do not leave when I am put in the game. This is for two obvious reasons: 1) When I come in, it's ShowTime, so you better keep your eyes glued to the court and 2) The air pressure in the RAC changes as you open and close the front doors, which caused me to go 0-2 from behind the arc. So please, in the future, sit down, eat your popcorn, and tell your son that number 44 is what you want him to strive for when he turns 21.

I know this was another long post, but with four games and a trip to CanKuhn, Mexico, I felt obligated to keep you up to speed with everything that's been going on with us.

This week I wanted to shout-out my brotha' from anotha' motha', JP. I know you were upset you didn't make it in the first one, but we reconciled our differences. Vinny Box, hope you have a sensational time reading this. My roommate, Ryan. The only reason you didn't make the first two posts was because you were from New York. All the Victoria Secret Angels. This Tuesday's fashion show is why guys all over the world are not afraid to walk into a nearby Victoria Secret and pretend to shop for "their girlfriend."

I'm looking to give shoutouts to the fans who send in the best comments, pictures, questions, etc… Anything you want to know about the team or say, say it! The top inputs will make the next post. Visit: http://www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics#!/RutgersAthletics

Before I let you guys go, I urge you all to come to Saturday night's BIG EAST/SEC challenge, where we will take on LSU. It'll be a great game, and I hope to see you there!

Number 44 in your programs, number 1 in your hearts,

Mike Kuhn

POST 2 - November 20

Before I begin this post, I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to the families of Oklahoma State head women's basketball coach, Kurt Budke, and assistant coach, Miranda Serna.

The road provides us players with an opportunity to catch up on schoolwork, learn the opponent's tendencies, and spend quality time with one another. For me, I used this ample time to do little of the previous, and focused mainly on Kuhn's Korner.

Actually, I did learn some new things about my teammates in Miami. Kadeem Jack Skypes shirtless, Austin Carroll wears glasses in the morning, and Derrick Randall listens to "You're Beautiful," by James Blunt. Although I am not a fan of James Blunt, I don't mind listening to him after all I heard on the two-hour flight and hour bus ride was Drake, Rick Ross, and other rappers that I couldn't recognize.

Back to the trip. We arrived at Westin Hotel in Coral Gables, Fla. after a long day of traveling (two hour and 45 minute flight, followed by a one-hour bus ride to Miami's practice facility, and a two hour practice).

Normally on the road, my roommate is Charlie Rigoglioso, fellow ultra-quick, freakishly athletic, red headed walk-on who is a distinguished member of Kuhn's Korner. Throughout the locker room, Chuck is also referred to as the Brett Favre of Rutgers basketball. He enrolled in Rutgers his freshman year and quickly decided to leave, as Favre left the Packers, and go to Moravian College. After averaging a stellar 11 pts, six rebounds, and four assists, he decided to reenroll in Rutgers and resume his usual stat-line of 75, 22 and 12. Many of you might be saying to yourself, "75, 22, and 12, what is Kuhn talking about?" Let me explain. As walk-ons, we obviously don't get to showcase our perfect chest passes, screen-setting abilities, solid fundamentals, or array of moves to the crowd at the RAC every night. Instead, our stat-line consists of how many, times we a) Clap b) Get Up for Timeouts and c) How many jolly ranchers we can get in throughout the game.

Following last year's season, Chuck decided it was time to unlace the sneakers, hang the jersey in the rafters and say goodbye to the game of basketball. It was only until late September of this year when Charlie, much like Favre, and emerged from retirement, Wrangler Jeans and all. Now because Charlie was a late addition to this year's squad, room reservations for the Miami trip became severely blemished and he ended up sleeping on a cot in a room with Kadeem and I. This completely undermined our original plans of leaving the hotel following bed check, partying in South Beach all night, and scoring 20 points in Tuesday night's game. Instead, we settled for watching game film, eating ice cream and listening to Kadeem Skype about how he has newfound muscle mass and need not wear a shirt while video chatting.

Road games are treated as business trips. Along with enhancing team chemistry, away games eliminate distractions that can arise on the home front. Focusing on the opponent and learning the scouting report are common ways to reduce diversions and improve our understanding of the game plan. They are also opportunities to break-up the monotonous routine of daily practices and film sessions we partake in every day.

Going into the Miami game, we had a challenging defensive task of containing their starting backcourt of Malcolm Grant and Durand Scott. These two guys are all conference guards in a great league, and would serve as an arduous test in our young season. Containing the guards and not allowing penetration into the paint would force them to take forced, contested shots and allow us to dictate the tempo and pace of the game. Unfortunately, we had a number of defensive miscommunications that led to Grant and Scott combining for 38 of their 72 points. In addition, we had 14 turnovers and went 0-8 from the free throw line. I don't care who you are playing, you are not going to win basketball games with those statistics, especially an ACC team like Miami. However, every game (win or loss) serves as a learning experience, which is extremely valuable to a young team like us. Valuing the ball and playing with poise and confidence are things that we must build upon in practice if we want to be successful.

Going into the Miami trip, I was extremely amped to go down there, as Will Smith's song "Miami" was on repeat on my iPod. Looking back on it, the trip was a complete wash-out. Along with the loss, I had to eat a putrid post-game Chicken Parmesan sub, the Miami dance/cheerleading squads were somewhat disappointing and Chris Bosh was at our game because of the NBA lockout (how bored must Chris Bosh be?). Whatever way you want to look at it, the Miami trip needs to be forgotten ASAP! (Much like the Jets' most recent loss)

Fortunately in basketball, teams are able to redeem themselves in their next game. Sacred Heart provided us with an opportunity to get back to playing Rutgers basketball. Defensive intensity, high percentage shots, and valuing the ball are what we hang our hat on. This game was a tale of two halves, as we game out a bit timid in an attempt to shake the remnants of the Miami game. However, we came out with fire and intensity in the second half and were able to get a W vs. a quality NEC team.

I'd like to think much of the reason why you guys are reading the blog is to get an inside scoop on what is going on inside the locker room and with our team. Thursday night's game provided me with some great material. Two classic incidents occurred which I had to share with you guys.

First, as many of you know, Coach Rice gets mad. Really mad. As players, we pray that he slept well the night before and there was minimal traffic in the morning so we don't have to run suicides for every turnover committed in practice. After a miserable first half and trailing by three to Sacred Heart, we knew we were in for a "special" halftime speech. As he came in and began his normal tirade that consists of calling us cowards and weak-minded individuals, he unintentionally smacked the Gatorade cups straight into our trainer Eric Bridenbaugh's face. My initial reaction was to hysterically burst into laughter, as Eric was still pouring waters and Gatorades with blue liquid dripping from his face. After Rice walked out of the locker room, I turned to the only person who I know was internally laughing as hard as I was, Charlie. With his head in his warm-up shirt and face as red as his hair, I knew it would spark a solid second half conversation. We came to a consensus that whenever we see Eric from now on, Ben Stiller's "Total Facial LaFleur!" line from Dodgeball would be quoted.

The second special occurrence of the evening came when yours truly checked into the game. Many of you don't know how difficult it is being substituted into the game with 1:30 left and you're up 20. For my scholastic peers, it is similar to receiving a Scantron test, but the teacher has yet to give you the actual exam questions. An anxious anticipation usually arises, followed by a conversation between Charlie and I at the scorer's table discussing who is going to shoot first. With 2.8 seconds left and no field goals attempted, I told myself that it was time for me to "unleash the dragon." I drew up a play in my mind, similar to the Jordan stretch dunk in Space Jam. However, after I glanced over at Charlie and realized he was not Bugs Bunny, I was forced to go to plan B. Get the ball and heave an eighty-foot prayer. Those of you who were at the game saw that plan B almost worked to perfection, as my bank shot from Edison missed by inches. If I made it, my plan was to keep my follow-through up and continue a victorious trot into the locker room. Instead, I missed and it was another game in Piscataway, where I once again reclaimed my membership in Club Trillion (props to Mark Titus).

Once again, I want to thank everyone for reading the blog. I know these posts can be long, but I want you guys to enjoy the season as much as we are. For the remainder of the posts, my closings will consist of shout-outs to the best fans, hottest girls and whomever else I feel like including in the quota. Because this is my first, I'm shouting-out everybody from the best town in New Jersey, Oceanport.

The Galvin's, Benedict's, Kelly's, Corsi's, McMahon's, Molzon's, Pillari's, McNish's, Reid's, Swinton's, Gallo's, Hoffman's, Feiter's, Battista's, Wilbur's, Smuro's, Hyndsman's, McGhee's, D'Agostino's, Briody's, Bulvanoski's, Draper's, Altomare's, Whalen's, Tomaino's, Hancock's, Kornek's, Hickey's, Eheret's, Delehanty's, Murray's, Fox's, Guyer's, Jungfer's, Frank's, Coffey's, Gornik's, Vill's, Cerruti's, Loutfi's, Trout's, Adam's, Schultz, Scott's and Sauer's. I know there are a lot of people that I missed, and I am sorry. I just tried to do this off the top of my head.

Number 44 in your programs, Number 1 in your hearts,

Mike Kuhn

Post 1 - November 15

What's up Scarlet Knights fans? My name is Mike Kuhn and I will be giving you guys a behind-the-scenes, all-access look into our 2011-12 season. With three seasons "On the Banks," under my belt, I can honestly say that this upcoming season has the potential to be very special and exciting for all Scarlet Knight faithful. With a lot of fresh new faces on the sideline, I will try my best to satisfy all your cravings and fill you in on everything that's happening with our team. From inside analysis on the most recent game to what new word (head coach Mike) Rice called me in practice to what Gilvydas Biruta ate for breakfast that morning, you guys will find it all in Kuhn's Korner.

Now many of you might be saying to yourself, "who is Mike Kuhn? We don't hear his name when they announce the starters. Was he on the floor when Jonathan Mitchell hit the game-winner against Villanova last-year? My kids don't want his autograph."

Well for every question, there is an answer. First, I'll tell you a little bit about myself. I grew up on the Jersey Shore in a small town called Oceanport, N.J., which is located in Monmouth County. When I tell people this, it is usually followed by the same repetitive, annoying question, which many of my fellow Oceanport-ers hate. "Is it like the 'Jersey Shore' on MTV?" For all those who are reading this blog and want to know if Oceanport or the surrounding area is at all like "Slease-side Heights" and what you see on your Thursday nights on MTV at 10 p.m. (yes I do watch the show), while you pregame with your friends before you go to Olde Queens, the answer is "No." Oceanport is home to the Shore's Greatest Stretch, the Monmouth Racetrack. We do not "fist-pump," go "clubbing," or use more than 0.2 ounces of hair gel. We go to the beach, listen to Bruce Springsteen, and call it Pork Roll (not Taylor Ham).

I attended Christian Brothers Academy high school in Lincroft, N.J., where I was fortunate enough to win three conference championships, two South Jersey Parochial A titles, and was nominated for the McDonald's All-American game. I chose Rutgers University because it is only 40 minutes away from my home, and had a great academic reputation. The fact that Rutgers is one of the top party schools in the country did not have any influence on my decision, I promise.

I previously stated that for every question, there is an answer. So, to wrap this introduction up, no I am not in the starting line-up. During that time, I am either a) eating a jolly rancher that I hide in my socks b) seeing if the pretty girl who sits behind the scorer's table is in attendance or c) telling Van Macon that I am going to polish his head after the game. And last year, I was most definitely on the floor when Jonathan Mitchell hit the game-winner vs. Villanova, along with 1,000 other Rutgers students.

As I said before, we have a lot of new guys on this year's squad - eight new additions to be exact, which includes seven freshmen. As a player, it has been great to get to know a lot of these guys. We spend countless of hours together throughout the year, from summertime workouts to preseason strength and conditioning to our daily practices. Everybody on the team endures the same grueling and relentless regime that comes from being a Big East basketball player. All of this hard work that we dedicate to get better not only as individuals, but as a team is for one, sole purpose: to win games. This season, we have adopted a team slogan: Details, Discipline, and Determination. I believe this "mantra" resonates not only with the upcoming season, but specifically with the new Scarlet Knights on the team.

In order to be successful this season, we are going to have to pay attention to the details, be disciplined on both the offensive and defensive end and be determined to improve both individually and as a team on a daily basis. This is not an easy task for a normal 18-22-year-old kid. The coaching staff has put a lot of responsibility on this year's new class, and seeing how they respond and progress throughout the season will be exciting. It is my job and the job of the other upperclassman to tutor our younger teammates on how to become accustomed to this new way of playing the game. Every day, Coach Rice stresses the importance of these three words, and how hard it is to win a Division I basketball game, no matter who the opponent is. The faster we realize and accept change as players, the better we are going to be as a cohesive unit

We kicked off the season Friday against our first opponent, Dartmouth. Being an Ivy League school, we knew that their game plan was going to consist of controlling the tempo and creating a half court game where they would be able to execute their offensive. Being a BIG EAST team, we definitely wanted to exert our physical presence and will on a smaller, less athletic team. We spent a number of days in practice reviewing and running through their plays and tendencies. (Associate head) coach (David) Cox did a great job scouting Dartmouth and had us prepared for the season opener. At times throughout the game, we built a nine-point cushion, but were unable to control the tempo and stretch the lead. This inability to put a team away allowed Dartmouth to the stay in the game. Fortunately, we were able to make plays down the stretch and pull out a six-point win. The careless and casual mistakes we made throughout the game were due to a lack of experience and inconsistency. These are typical mistakes that occur with a young team, which undoubtedly will get better as the season progresses.

I want to thank everybody who has taken the time of out of their day to read my blog. This season is definitely going to be filled with a lot of ups and downs, and want all you guys to share it with me here on Kuhn's Korner. I will try and post as much as I can this year. I enjoy writing these blogs more than attempting any of my managerial accounting assignments or studying for my futures and options exams. I know this post was long, but I wanted to introduce you to myself, the team and all that we are looking to accomplish this year.

In closing, this message is not only from me, but from all of my teammates and coaches. We need you guys to come out and support us for every game. We are not going to be successful unless we have the BIG EAST's best crowd and student section behind us each night. So I look forward to seeing you at the RAC at our next home game.

Number 44 in your programs, Number 1 in your hearts,

Mike Kuhn