Exactly, Joe. When I joined the site, I knew the obvious. It's Jazzfanz, not Cottonfanz. On top of recognizing one should stay realistic and always be a team player, it did not take long to see this was exactly what I would have hoped for, in terms of "if there were one team....". That video I saw early on, the one where they documented a road trip, really made me sit up and take notice of the coaching staff. I'm sure the preparation would be similar and as focused with any professional group, but I could not help be impressed with Snyder, and the whole package of what I saw there. Seeing the regulars at SL, and the stands full, only confirmed my original impression. Namely, if I want to see the guy get what he deserves, what better place then with this team and this coach? And about "what he deserves". I follow all the guys that move on to the League from here. His humbleness set him apart from guys who star in their own movie. That's exactly the kind of guy who fits in with a team that has that youthful enthusiasm and know they are part of something that could be special. So a family is always one for all and all for one. So important for the guys on a team to like each other, to be happy where they are, to be anxious to prove something. And to have a coach who knows how to develop players. Who would not want " their guy" to embrace all that? I've always thought he was lucky to land here.
In all honestly, I've never experienced the degree of emotional investment in one of our local products as I have with Cotton. And it's very clear to me that it has everything to do with how he conducts himself, and how he speaks of himself, and how he never puffs himself up, or takes anything for granted. Certainly, you could never expect a player to be hungrier or more determined to have the attitude "failure is simply not an option". All that has seen to it that I want this kid to succeed more then any other I've supported, and whose careers I've enjoyed. From both PC and URI.