Getting to know coach Bob

Those of you who pay attention to the Seattle SuperSonics know the name Bob Weiss.

And the rest of you who don't know what a SuperSonic is are probably wondering, "Who the hell is Bob Weiss?"

The rundown:

This Weiss character has been on the Sonics' bench for years -- since the '94 season, to be exact. In fact, he was the only person seriously considered for Seattle's vacant head coaching job after Nate McMillan got eager to coach in Portland.

Simplified: He is the new Sonics' head honcho.

Contrary to popular belief (in this case, my belief), Weiss has been a coach before. But as the numbers show, not a very good one.

In six years as a coach -- with San Antonio, Atlanta and the Los Angeles Clippers -- he's compiled 210 wins versus 282 losses, with two winning seasons mixed in there.

But things are different this time around.

"The first couple jobs I had were complete rebuilding jobs," Weiss told The Seattle Times. "This is first opportunity I've had to work with talents like Ray (Allen, duh), Rashard (Lewis), the nucleus, Luke (Ridnour), Nick Collision -- the caliber of people, the city, the friends we've already made here."

The Sonics were a surprising 52-30 last year and reached the Western Conference semifinals. With Weiss on the bench and the core of the team back, Seattle's front office wanted to stay "in house" and Weiss was in the house (it also helped that both Allen and Lewis supported Weiss becoming the franchise's 13th head coach).

Weiss has said how he plans to keep the team moving in the same direction it has been. He does want to simplify the defense a bit and wouldn't mind giving the athletes a bit more freedom to run the court. Weiss has told local newspapers that he is attempting to recreate the fast break run by Showtime Lakers of the 1980s.

This faster-paced offense should let guys like Ridnour and Allen thrive. Seems like a good idea to me.

If you thought McMillan was Mr. Seattle SuperSonic, wait 'til you hear about Weiss.

The guy was the 21st-overall in the 1965 NBA draft (if you take the time to do the math, you'll discover he's no youngster) and played on the original '67 Sonics squad. He spent his college years playing ball at Penn State and had a modest 12-year career in the NBA.

Weiss is a family man, too. He's married and has two kids. He likes tennis and golf, so he must belong to a country club around here somewhere. Keep your eyes peeled, country- clubbers.

I've got to think the Supes are headed toward the playoffs this year (but then again, who isn't?). They should be good, though. Look for a faster-paced, higher-scoring Seattle team. The defense might also be better.

If the season turns out as well as last year for the Sonics, this Bob character might actually make a name for himself.