Ask Jim Owczarski

[McC]

Jim--

At PBS, what's the mood these days? I would think they would be feeling pretty good. Lot of work to do but a good start so far. I would imagine all the new coaches would be getting pretty antsy to start seeing their guys. Lot of planning what to do at this stage, I would imagine. Are they ready to go? Are they anxious to get on the field? Do coaches need time to gel like players do? Are they getting along so far? (What I'm hoping to hear--pumped about what they've done so far, know there's a lot more to do, chomping at the bit to get started).

Of all the coaches, maybe Frank Pollack might have the most daunting task. He can't see what he has in person going into the draft. He has film but can you tell if a guy will take to what you're teaching on film? And we will have a lineup that has never worked as a unit, with at least three and possibly four new players on it. And he's teaching them a different way than the last guy. Got his work cut out for him, wouldn't you say?

Finally, what is your level of optimism at this point?