As the Timberwolves search for their new head basketball coach, I started thinking about all the basketball coaches that I have been around. In all my years in sports, both playing and in sports broadcasting, I have gotten to know my share of coaches. They give up watching their own kids play, miss many holidays, and spend many of lonely nights breaking down film and scouting players.

I have had the pleasure to work with Pat Summitt, the all time winningest coach in NCAA history (men or women). I didn't talk much around her -- I was so an awe of her basketball knowledge that I just listened to every word she said, in hopes it would soak into my bloodstream.

Former Wolves head coach Flip Saunders has an incredible basketball I.Q. He lives for the game and it seems to flow naturally through him. His style is easy for players to connect with. In college I watched many of Clem Haskins' Gopher basketball practices and thoroughly enjoyed his style -- talk about a coach who could get the most out of a player. I've been humbled to have the opportunity to interview Utah's Jerry Sloan and love every piece of his old school philosophy.

Lately, former Lynx head coach Don Zierden had me in awe of his basketball brilliance. Another local figure, Jim Petersen is one we all knew was a great basketball analyst and is now proving to be just as adept in the coach's box.

All of these coaches share one thing in common: they do whatever they have to do to stay close to the game of basketball because they love the game. I am looking forward to seeing the Wolves new head coach and wish him the best of luck!