I have followed with great interest the recent hiring of former basketball phenom Cindy Blodgett to the position of head women’s basketball coach at the University of Maine.

Cindy brings a lot to the table as Maine’s 10th women’s head coach. What she doesn’t bring is this: She has never been a head coach.

With that in mind, I thought today might be as good a time as any for a former coach – yes, I coached college hoops, too – to list the Top Ten areas that a new coach needs to concentrate on in her new job.

With apologies to David Letterman, here are my own Top 10.

No. 1 – Develop a relationship with the media. Cindy was never much of a schmoozer. Sorry, coach. Begin now expanding your media horizons, which includes all those dreaded appearances and time in front of the camera and the microphone, things you used to dislike.

No. 2 – Develop a relationship with game officials. As a former star player and as a former assistant women’s college coach, who officiated your games and how they did them wasn’t a top priority for you. Now those variables are vital to your success or failure. Cultivate all this as you will necessarily have to do with media people.

No. 3 – Develop a relationship with donors. Oh, oh. There’s that schmoozing word again. Marketing yourself and your program is, in and of itself, a full-time job. But it needs to be done.

No. 4 – Develop a coaching philosophy and recruit accordingly. One of the most difficult aspects of learning the so-called ropes in head coaching is being recognized for one or two things as a coach. Two of your predecessors, Joanne McCallie and Sharon Versyp, were known for matchup zones and single coverage defense, respectively. Both women have parlayed those skills into success based on those teaching points.

No. 5 – Learn to use practice and game film wisely. Most coaches view film like most people would – strictly by watching video alone or with their teams. Sorry. That won’t work. Coaches need to look for tendencies and correct miscues accordingly. This might be the most important but difficult learning tool at your disposal. Finding what works and what doesn’t takes hours.

No. 6 – Make yourself available for a variety of university and social functions. You are, after all, one of the most visible women on campus. Be out there, smiling all the while. A lot of potential recruits watch TV. Enough said.

No. 7 – Surround yourself with good people. Great coaches pick great coaching staffs. It’s as simple as that. From good recruiters to sounding boards, these people can make or break your program.

No. 8 – Be available for speaking at a variety of basketball functions. I learned this one from Duke University’s newest women’s hoop boss, Joanne P. McCallie, one of your former coaches. Never ask for financial remuneration. If they give you a check, endorse it back over to either the group who hired you or your favorite charity.

No. 9 – Become an active, visible presence at as many UMaine athletic functions as possible. By doing so, you show yourself to be a good school person. Trust me when I tell you, all of this will be appreciated by the other coaches.

No. 10 – Have fun. Yes, this is important, too. Never let a day go by without basking in the glow of your job. You have accomplished one of your goals. Now, have fun with it.

And, Cindy: Good luck.

BDN columnist Ron Brown, a retired high school basketball coach, can be reached at bdnsports@bangordailynews.net