Coach Stumpf

Hey Everyone,

Well, today was a busy day. First I couldn't sleep again last night, but no big deal I got a lot of good video game time in (only PS2 games though, remember my PS3 is broke). Today I then lifted really hard early then showered and passed out for a few hours. The coach of Science City Jena was supposed to call with an expanded offer, and I wasn't getting that call. As I began to get irritated I decided to write him an email. I said that if he changed his mind about me that is fine, but that I am going to get him wins if he can afford me and that I will work as hard as he needs me to and lead the team as a rookie. He called about ten minutes later, kind of laughed at me and then claimed he had camps all day and was trying to find some players to fill around me his "future" star. I felt like an ass I can't lie about that. His english was actually pretty good for a second language but I didn't understand at least 20% of what he said nonetheless. This was the first coach who wanted me bad enough to call me and convince me to come play for him. We had about an hourlong talk and he explained that his system is very similar inside out with lots of cutters, just like I played in at CBU. This sounded good to me, and then he explained that I would be the highest paid player on the team as a rookie even if he didn't add any money on to the end of my deal. But, he also said he needed to sign a 4 man and a 5 man and that were imported players and he wants me over anyone else he has seen and he will take care of me and not to worry about the money. This was good to hear considering I have seemed to be a second choice because of my d2 background with many coaches. After hanging up with the coach after a great conversation he left to go give my agent the new offer and I looked up some information on the team. Their gym was really cool, it reminded me of Harding, it looks like an old airplane hangar and seats about 3,500, usually being almost full to capacity. Jena doesn't have any other pro sports in the city so the basketball team gets a good loyal fan base to come to their games. I like the situation and what it can be but we decided to give it a little time, he didn't feel the need to pressure me. I got an email from a Pro B coach whose team is dropping a league and desperately wants to climb back up to Pro B after one season. He is offering money that Pro B teams would offer (generally good), but the league is pretty weak so I need to decide if the money is so important or if the league I play in is what I need. I want to play in Italy or Greece someday and maybe Spain I don't want to be in the 2nd leagues forever, and I want me and Kiley to see the world not just Germany. But, for now I need to think about the best way to prove myself to Europe and which situation is going to give me the best opportunities. It is exciting but it is full of pressure. I now will collect checks to perform, and that means I can't not perform or I am undeserving of pay. True tests are ahead for me, but I am up for the challenge.

Nickkkkk KOOOOOOOOOHHHHSSSSterized