Kuester has been getting noticed for a while. He's spent lot of time with a lot of different teams over the year, because every year another team offers him a raise and more responsibility to join their staff.

His stint with the Cavs was his first as a head assistant. That their offense has improved so much under him has not gone unnoticed.

he didnt do a lot on LBs staff!?

he had a lot to do with designing the plays, but had little to do calling them or with player development.

His reputation was ruined at George Washington 20 years ago, when he completely fell flat on his face. He's spent the last 20 years working his way back up the ladder and getting his credibility back.

IMO, i admire the way he's worked himself back from the very bottom. He knows how to fight.

lol, you know your shit Kstat, but you're such a company man.

I don't know if Kstat is a company man. He was bitching like crazy when we let Memo go instead of Sheed.

I'm not too high on Kuester--apparently he's regarded as an 'offensive' coach, but Cleveland seems to have been one of the most offensively disoriented teams in the league the last few years.

This is the kind of shit I HATE.

:mccosky:


Dumars: Pistons won't hire Avery Johnson

Chris McCosky / The Detroit News

Detroit -- The Pistons have passed on hiring Avery Johnson as coach, team president Joe Dumars said Tuesday.

"Where we are right now as a team is kind of like where we were at the start of the Rick Carlisle era," Dumars said. "And a $4 to $5 million (a year) coach is not what we need right now. We didn't have one of those until we were close to contending for a championship when we got Larry (Brown)."

Dumars said the coach probably will be either John Kuester, the former Pistons assistant now with the Cavaliers, or Tom Thibodeau, a Celtics assistant.

The Pistons fired coach Michael Curry last week. Johnson and former Pistons coach Doug Collins were reportedly Dumars' top two choices. Collins quickly pulled himself out of contention.

No wonder Collins, JVG, et al aren't interested. And if you're one of the "hot" assistants, do you take this job when Dumars just basically said that you are a seat warmer until we need someone better.

This is a clusterfuck.

And Kstat's attempts to spin this kind of stuff positive is why I call him a company man.

I'm not too high on Kuester--apparently he's regarded as an 'offensive' coach, but Cleveland seems to have been one of the most offensively disoriented teams in the league the last few years.


He wasn't a part of that staff a few years ago. He was brought on in 2007 and given the reigns of total offensive control in 2008.

During timeouts when they were setting up plays, he was the guy talking to the players in the huddle, not mike brown.

He wasn't a part of that staff a few years ago. He was brought on in 2007 and given the reigns of total offensive control in 2008.

During timeouts when they were setting up plays, he was the guy talking to the players in the huddle, not mike brown.

Which begs the question why Mike Brown has a job in this league, but I digress.

Interesting nugget.

I don't take that as him saying you're a seat warmer. He got rid of Carlisle because the team got sick of him and the players stopped listening, not because he warmed up the seat enough for the next guy. Carlisle hasn't been able to get any other team over the top either, granted he was stuck with the Pacers for a while and they were going nowhere no matter who the coach was. He's just too brash and he wears on players. We all thought it was time for him to go. Plus, its not every year that someone like Larry Brown pops up on the market at just the right time.

One of these is going to get a chance to develop into a championship caliber coach. If he comes in, does a good job in developing the team, but shows that he's not going to get the team over the top, then we look for something better, but whoever it is will get a chance to show that he's got that ability.

Which begs the question why Mike Brown has a job in this league, but I digress.

Interesting nugget.

Mike Brown brings a lot of value as a defensive guy. The Cavs have always been a solid defensive team since he took over. His problem is he's not very creative offensively.

It's really no different than what Thibodeaux did for Doc Rivers, a guy notoriously inept at defensive gameplanning.

looking over the Cavs forums, apparently a long running joke this past year has basically been how Mike Brown just stands there and stares blankly during timeouts while Kuester talks to the players and diagrams plays...

Zekyl made a good point about the 2 assistants. How hard it it to make an offensive plan around LeBron? How hard is it to make a defensive plan around Perkins, KG, Pierce and Rondo?

We need a head coach with proven success, not an assistant coach. Not many are available so he's resorting to these guys.

Joe fucked up, especially with the seatwarming comment

Apparently, it was more difficult than it looks. Kuester in 1 year took the cavs to being the best offensive team in the NBA, when they were between average and dead last previously.

Likewise, Thibodeaux took Pierce, a notoriously lazy defender, and Perkins and Rondo, starters on a team that got steamrolled defensively in 2007, and combined them with one true defensive stud to form one of the best defenses this decade.

To discount that would be just plan ignorant. Nobody was marveling at how good Perkins and Rondo were in 2007. Nobody was calling Pierce or Ray Allen a great defender, either. No expert anticipated the celtics would be the physical bully of the NBA in 2008. To claim otherwise would be revisionist history .

This is like saying the triangle offensive is no big deal because phil jackson used it with Michael Jordan. Every system needs talent, but every talent also needs a great system.

For Pierce's jump in defensive intensity (always had the skill, never really used it), I'd give more credit to KG. Rondo took a huge step when KG got there because it was his natural development and he had a superstar backing him up.

I'm not saying the guy is a bad defensive coach, just that the teams sudden success isn't fully his doing.

Exchanging Mo and Larry does help a little bit.

Larry took 12 shots a game while shooting 37% and 34% from downtown. Mo shoots about 14 a game while shooting 47% and 44% from downtown. Mo also averaged about 18 a game while Larry scored 12. When Larry was on the Cavs, they scored 96 a game while with Mo they score 100.

Delonte also played 38 more games this season compared to last.

Not saying he's a shitty assistant, but the two seasons were different in terms of players.

its Kuester

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4311090

The Pistons are expected to complete the hiring of Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach John Kuester later Tuesday, NBA coaching sources told ESPN.com.

Kuester became the Pistons' top candidate after ESPN analyst Avery Johnson broke off contract talks after more than two days of negotiations.

budget hire

yay!

:our: new coach

So was Carlisle, back in the day....


Kuester is a very smart guy. So long as we surround him with a strong defensive staff, we should be ok.

Kuester is a very creative offensive mind.

would have preferred Thibodeax, but I can't argue with Kuester's credentials, nor his intelligence.

if this guy was around 20 years as an assistant, he simply wasn't good enough to be a headcoach in the past, and now he is? yeah right, cause he improved the lamest offense in the NBA, great...i dont like this hire at all

if this guy was around 20 years as an assistant, he simply wasn't good enough to be a headcoach in the past, and now he is? yeah right, cause he improved the lamest offense in the NBA, great...i dont like this hire at all

That's because you didn't do your homework on this one. Kuester was promoted to head coach faster that any coach I can remember ever. He took over from Rick Pitino at age 28. The guy simply wasn't ready for the job. He needed a lot more seasoning, so he went back and got it.


Anybody that's watched the Cavs this season will swear by the guy. He was basically their head coach this year. Not just designing plays, but actively coaching the team during huddles and telling them where to go and what to do.

%95 of team huddles during Cavs games this season consisted of Kuester making strategic decisions and Mike Brown staring and saying nothing.

After game 1 of the magic series, Mike Brown decided to take back playcalling responsibilities, and the offense went down the shitter with him.

People will be shocked by how much more efficient the offense is going to be next season.

Rather have about 20 guys, but that still makes him better than 5.7 billion, right?

Two things:

1) I have faith in Kuester. I think he'll do a good job. This team has had offensive lulls since the Alternatorz in 2004. Even with other offensive coaches it didn't seem like we ever took advantage of a mismatch. Hopefully he'll improve both.

2) Glenn is right that Joe's quote could definitely be taken the wrong way.

Kuester has already shown he can command a huddle, and get even a megastar like LeBron to follow directions. That he can coach an NBA team on the sideline isn't really even a question.

Now, can he handle personalities, run a good practice or develop young players? That's a fair question. But on gamenight, I have total faith in him.

Well, I've one thing to say...

Rather him than Curry.

Please note that Kstat broke this story at 12:59 pm EST today.

http://i25.tinypic.com/2v0mp0m.gif

Cleveland needs a new headcoach, thats good ^^

Question: If Joe means what he says, and a chump like Kuester is really all we need right now, then will he let us know when we're ready for someone better so we can start watching the games again?

sums up the cavs coaching huddle this past season perfectly.

http://www.sjuhawks.com/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/kuester_katie00.html
http://www.facebook.com/people/Katie-Kuester/655280509?_fb_noscript=1
http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=78&f=1410&t=4355788

Kuester? Who the fuck is Kuester?

Now leave me the hell alone, I'm at the store with my wife.

I'm glad to see our local news is all over this one.

Loved the Cav's Huddle JA. Sounds about like I explained it earlier. Z floating around, everyone else clearing out of the way.

It does seem fitting that we brought in a PF that hasn't neared his defensive potential and a SG that is a defensive liability, along with the rumors of our one true defensive player being shopped, and we're bringing in a coach who was an offensive coordinator, essentially. This should be an interesting season. I hope we have some serious defensive minds as assistant coaches.

Kuester is likely going to be a pawn for Joe, so I actually wouldn't be surprised if Laimbeer gets a seat courtside.

Joe might pick all of his assistants for him, actually.

Question: If Joe means what he says, and a chump like Kuester is really all we need right now, then will he let us know when we're ready for someone better so we can start watching the games again?


Another league source said the contract was for two seasons with a team option for a third year.

Kuester is likely going to be a pawn for Joe, so I actually wouldn't be surprised if Laimbeer gets a seat courtside.

Joe might pick all of his assistants for him, actually.


probably the dumbest thing Ive heard all day.

I like Laimbeer, but no way is he a better coach than Kuester, nor is he going to allow Joe to coach by proxy.

probably the dumbest thing Ive heard all day.

I like Laimbeer, but no way is he a better coach that Kuester,

Where did I say that?

You got the wrong guy for that. I hate Laimbeer as a head coaching option.

I'm saying that any "legit" coach that would have been hired would have told Joe to fuck off for trying to pick the staff.

Not so with this hire, I bet.

Laimbeer needs a job, the Pistons need SOMEONE to coach defense.

There is still no agreement between Pistons and John Kuester, league sources say. It is probable in next hours or day, but nothing yet.

THERE IS STILL HOPE

for a lesser coach? yep.

Nevermind, Mannix from SI says it's official.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/07/07/pistons.coach/index.html?eref=si_nba

i can't say i'm overly excited but i definitely wasn't excited about johnson either. he's not worth what he wanted IMO and i'm still not convinced he's the coach some think he is.

i don't mind having an experienced assistant who can mold this team into what we want it to be.

he's definitely an upgrade on curry, although that's not saying much. but i think he can be a decent coach for us at the least.

sexy pick? no. but i ain't mad about it. we have much bigger fish to fry.

My main worry with Avery was how he handled Devin Harris. He couldn't develop him properly and then gave up on him entirely.

JOE DUMARS IS KING


lol

I say....what I say?

basically, i just want a coach who doesn't screw things up. that's often all that's required of nba coaches. ok, so i'm exagerating. but nba coaches IMO do not directly factor into their team's success near as much as, say, an NFL coach.

so i don't think we need some 'elite' coach, especially with the group we're putting together now. we just need someone smart enough to let our kids develop and to manage their personalities and their minutes, while keeping them motivated. that's not to say it's an easy task; but it's not like there is a severe shortage of guys who can be successful at it.

JMO

Laimbeer needs a job, the Pistons need SOMEONE to coach defense.
It was Mahorn who primarily coached the D for the Shock.

He had to do something.

Couldn't coach o

“My goal is to have a head coach in place by the time we go out to Las Vegas”

I think there's a big difference in coaching experience between Kuester & MC... after retiring Curry wasn't even close to game strategies... he was in the league office.
I like the fct that he was with LB for a while.
Everyone knows he was the Cavs real HC the last couple years.

If cosmicpimpjuice loves it, I might have to reconsider.

Whats this cats first name, I wonder?

is Kuester a panic move? usually Dumars has a coach in place when he fires the old ones...now he fires Curry 1 day before FreeAgency begins because Gordon and Villa wont sign if we had Curry in place, lol? clearly he wanted Collins,too bad...he did give himself just 1 week time, not much time for interviews, he wasted most of the time for Avery...

John? I think I'd like him more if he spelled it Jon or Jhon or something et al.

John is how a real man spells it.

Who did these poll choices?

John is the real man's spelling.

Prediction...he's going to be boring. Problem is that its ok if you are a boring coach if you have talent. I'm not convinced thats the case here.

Also, obviously Joe didn't want to give up the power Avery wanted.

i don't think he really would've been giving up any true 'power'. but why should he anyway? how many championship contending teams has avery johnson built?

joe was going to have the final say, regardless. i think there were a number of things they disagreed on, with money being one of them for sure too.

there's no way i'd want to pay avery johnson $20 mil to coach this team. he's simply not that kind of coach IMO.

is Kuester a panic move? usually Dumars has a coach in place when he fires the old ones...now he fires Curry 1 day before FreeAgency begins because Gordon and Villa wont sign if we had Curry in place, lol? clearly he wanted Collins,too bad...he did give himself just 1 week time, not much time for interviews, he wasted most of the time for Avery...
I don't think Joe fired Curry because Gordon and Villanueva wouldn't sign. I'd assume he was making calls and weighing options. Even if he did, he's already got those guys agreed to terms. Why does he have to panic and hire a coach now? He'd have plenty of time to conduct a full search if he wasn't satisfied with Kuester. No reason to settle.

I don't think Joe fired Curry because Gordon and Villanueva wouldn't sign. I'd assume he was making calls and weighing options. Even if he did, he's already got those guys agreed to terms. Why does he have to panic and hire a coach now? He'd have plenty of time to conduct a full search if he wasn't satisfied with Kuester. No reason to settle.


Vegas Summer League, its VERY important.

Our Coach is Who?

I picked the wrong freakin' time to quit swearing.

Yes, he's better than Curry. But I'm a better Coach than Curry. No way should Joe hire me for 2 years with a 3rd at the team's option and then pay me a couple of mil as well!

I got my pre-game speeches all worked out. Have you seen Any Given Sunday? Pacino? The "Inches" bit? Make it about basketball! That's my pre-game speech, every freakin' night.

I think we hired this dude cause it hurts the Cavs. I think we signed Gordon to hurt the Bulls. I think we signed Charlie to hurt the Bucks (Andrew Bogut...represent boi) and ...

We need a freakin' big man.

Get one of them before you sign some random assistant.

And Kstat - stop being a shill for the Pistons.

All the way back on page 1 you had this exchange with Wilfredo Ledezma.

Wilbur posted:

I'm not too high on Kuester--apparently he's regarded as an 'offensive' coach, but Cleveland seems to have been one of the most offensively disoriented teams in the league the last few years.

Natural Born Shiller replied:

He wasn't a part of that staff a few years ago. He was brought on in 2007 and given the reigns of total offensive control in 2008.


So, um... let's get this straight:

John Boy wasn't at the Cavs the last few years

He only joined them in 2007. He's been there the last "couple" of years.

Not the last few - just the last couple.

Am I right, Al Shillgton?

BTW, #30 made me lol

Why Avery Johnson didn't get the job
By VINCE ELLIS • FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER • July 8, 2009

In less than 48 hours, Avery Johnson went from likely becoming the Pistons' next coach to giving interviews explaining why he will be returning to an analyst's chair at ESPN for a second season.

All signs now point to the Pistons settling on their third choice -- Cavaliers assistant John Kuester -- to replace Michael Curry, who was fired last week after one season.

Which left us to wonder what happened to Johnson.

In an interview on ESPN, Johnson spoke of extensive talks with the Pistons as recently as Sunday, but he declined to say how close the two sides were.

"At the end of the day, we just couldn't make it work, and both sides decided to just go in different directions," Johnson said. "It gave me the opportunity to stay at ESPN ... and it gave them an opportunity to continue to search for a new coach."

But a person with personal knowledge of the situation said that Johnson believed he was going to be the Pistons' next coach after meeting with Joe Dumars, the Pistons' president of basketball operations, in Houston.

In fact, the person said Dumars told Johnson he was his guy.

But with Johnson seeking a four-year deal worth between $4 million and $5 million a season, the two sides couldn't come to an agreement. And the money wasn't the only issue, as the length of the deal also was a bone of contention.

The source said the Pistons offered a two-year deal with an option for a third year -- what Kuester is expected to receive.

The Dallas Mavericks fired Johnson after the 2007-08 season and owe him $8 million over the next two seasons. It is believed that he would forfeit all or most of that money if he took another job. Under the circumstances, Johnson apparently felt it prudent to remain an analyst for ESPN.

It's telling that the length of Kuester's deal is similar to what Johnson was offered. Kuester, although a veteran of two decades on the NBA sidelines, will be a first-time NBA head coach. Johnson, on the other hand, compiled a winning percentage of .735 as coach of the Mavericks and was two victories from an NBA title in 2006.

Kuester, although a veteran of two decades on the NBA sidelines, will be a first-time NBA head coach. Johnson, on the other hand, compiled a winning percentage of .735 as coach of the Mavericks and was two victories from an NBA title in 2006.
That part stings.

I don't think this is "BREAKING NEWS" anymore.

That part stings.

On the bright side, Kuester has yet to under-develop and cast off a young all-star point guard, and he has yet to get blasted out of the first round once, let alone back-to-back seasons.

On the dull side, Kuester has yet to show any capability to develop any talent or be a head coach. He has never gotten a team into the playoffs, even if it meant losing in the first round, let alone sniffed taking a team to the finals. His career winning percentage is .000.

I can throw out facts, too. Not saying I'm against the hiring, but you didn't seem to have a problem with Avery Johnson before he left the running.

yeah, I didn't. I did worry a lot about how he could handle stuckey, but I liked his track record on the defensive end.

Keuster has proven a lot, but yes he has never been an NBA head coach. if any assistant in the entire league is ready though, it's him. He was the pseudo-head coach of the Cavs last season. he was already doign a lot of things the head coach usually does.

Were you the one saying "if anyone is ready, its Thibodeaux" 3 days ago? I can't remember.

I said I'd prefer thibodeax, because he's a defensive coach.

Keuster I can live with also. He's proven a lot, just on the other end of the floor.

It's possible Joe felt Keuster was more ready to be a head coach. Who knows.

We need to archive this thread. Its got everything that makes WTF great. And Glan too.

John Kuester will sign a 3-year contract for approx. $6 million Thursday to become Detroit coach, a source says. All years are guaranteed.

I said I'd prefer thibodeax, because he's a defensive coach.

Keuster I can live with also. He's proven a lot, just on the other end of the floor.

It's possible Joe felt Keuster was more ready to be a head coach. Who knows.

So why aren't you questioing why Thibodeax didn't get more consideration?

Why are you praising the choice of Keuster when you prefer someone else?

This is why I called you a shill.

You wanted Thibodeax or JVG or someone other than who we got.

Yet I feel like you're selling Keuster to me. And I hate it.

I wish I had made that post. It's that good.

Exactly what I was trying to get at. Thanks for putting it better than I did.

We're on fire tonight boys, but it's after midnight for me and I gotta jet.

I wonder how long it will be before Kstat replies to my post?

btw, is it "Q-ster" or "Kester"?

The Pistons broadcasters always called him "Kester" but now everything that I hear is "Q-ster"?

I'm guessing it is Q, since his nickname seems to be "Que".

btw, is it "Q-ster" or "Kester"?

The Pistons broadcasters always called him "Kester" but now everything that I hear is "Q-ster"?

I'm guessing it is Q, since his nickname seems to be "Que".

It's that whole "Now that I'm kind of a big deal, it time to pronounce my name correctly" thing.


Thx Glan

apparently Q was a defensive guy until this year when the cavs asked him to take on more offensive responsibility.

he actually said this himself too. so- if we buy this- it is at least POSSIBLE the dude could be a LB type- good offensive X's & O's guy who also preaches defense. *fingers crossed*

Hey Kstat - can I get answers to the questions I posed to you in post # 76?

You were here for hours doing the Summer League game and must have missed it.

So why aren't you questioing why Thibodeax didn't get more consideration?

Why are you praising the choice of Keuster when you prefer someone else?

This is why I called you a shill.

You wanted Thibodeax or JVG or someone other than who we got.

Yet I feel like you're selling Keuster to me. And I hate it.

I'm not really praising the decision to hire Kuester. I'm simply saying he's not a generic bad hire, like everyone here seems to believe.

You can like two candidates for a job and still think one is a little better than the other.

If everyone here was going the other way with their comments, I'd be more inclined to emphasize his faults (which I did point out anyway).

I found you Kstat - now get back to the real issues at hand in those other threads...

Oh, damn - he;s not here. It's an old thread.

Sorry for the bump.

Nice comeback on the "I liked them both" bit too, Kstate.

Kind of obvious answer - and it just seems like bullshit to me.

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned this here yet, but Q/Dumars want to hire Brian Hill as an assistant.

He's always seemed like a bit of a jackass to me, but first time head coaches need assistants that have been there before, IMO.

Same one that coached the magic a few years back?

Twice.

I may or may not be in the minority here, but I'd trade a few seasons of Pistons disgrace for Lions winning.

I may or may not be in the minority here, but I'd trade a few seasons of Pistons disgrace for Lions winning.
You are dead to me.

You are dead to me.
times two million

Kuester's plan: Former Cavs assistant and new Pistons head coach John Kuester said he'll be taking some of the Cavs philosophy with him to Detroit. In Vegas to work with the Pistons summer league team, Kuester said his relationship with Pistons General Manager Joe Dumars was a major reason he was able to get the job and how he hopes to work with his boss the way Brown and Cavs General Manager Danny Ferry work together.

"This is a joint effort, and seeing how Mike and Danny work together was pretty neat during my two years in Cleveland," Kuester said. "Having a relationship with Joe is a huge plus."

Kuester received a three-year, $6 million contract and the promise from Dumars that he'll be given plenty of time and patience while the team goes through a transition process as they turn over the roster.

"I'm very appreciative of what the Cavs family did for me. We had great players and were committed to what was best for the team," Kuester said. "You have the confidence, and what has to happen is for someone to believe in what you are about. I was fortunate that Joe knew me and had seen me work."

Does that sicken anyone else?

They copied the shit out of the Pistons and now, this?

Circle of Life and all that shit GD.

Brian Hill leaving for Pistons
By FRED KERBER
July 24, 2009

Nets assistant coach Brian Hill is leaving for the Pistons.

After facing a hefty pay cut from the Nets, Hill has accepted a multiyear deal to join John Quester's staff in Detroit.

"Brian is going to Detroit," team president Rod Thorn said. "He is a terriffic coach and a better guy. Solid all the way. He did a great job and we hate to lose him. His coaching credentials are impeccable."

Does that sicken anyone else?

They copied the shit out of the Pistons and now, this?

...he was a pistons assistant before he was with the Cavs.

But please, do go on.

I was referring specifically to him bringing "the Cavs philosophy" to Detroit, thus the bold text.

R.I.F.

Erm, WTF does R.I.F mean?

Erm, WTF does R.I.F mean?


In the US we have/had a program in our schools called RIF or "reading is fundamental".

It's almost as effective as "No Child Left Behind", which has effectively dumbed down the education levels in some areas even more than before.

great stuff from Keith

:langlois:


Lest Pistons fans think the 2008-09 season damaged their team’s reputation leaguewide, consider this: Kuester will soon officially add ex-New Jersey assistant Brian Hill, with a long resume as an NBA head coach, to his staff. Here’s what one of the sharpest journalists who follows the NBA, Dave D’Alessandro of the Newark Star-Ledger, said about Hill’s decision to leave the Nets for the Pistons.

“But the best part of the move, of course, is that the Pistons are a flagship franchise that doesn’t stay down for long – not as long as Joe Dumars is running the operation.”

And then he quotes Hill: “Talking to Joe, you can tell they’re as committed as ever to winning and putting another championship team on the floor.”

That’s what you hear pretty consistently around the league – the Pistons are regarded as a flagship franchise. Sometimes fans focus so thoroughly on their team they lose sight of the bigger picture as to their franchise’s place in the pecking order. The Pistons remain one of the handful of franchises that coaches, scouts and front-office types look to as the model for doing business.

Fair and balanced.

:KING: I want you should call me "King"
:langlois: I'm a well respected journalist!
:KING: Really? Where would you be if we didn't hire your ass?
:langlois:














:langlois: BW3

I know it doesn't compare to Swam, it's a just a sign of respekt.

BW3? WTF?

Fuck all y'all.

OBIGC

Glan = Not Swami

AGREED, WHT TXT

BW3 = Buffalo Wild Wings

Also, I've never understood why it's BW3 and not BW2.

There used to be a "Weck" on the end of it, too.

Fuck, I want BW3 now for lunch.

Gotta run out for an appointment and I just checked and I'll be damned if there isn't a location within two blocks of where I'm headed.

There used to be a "Weck" on the end of it, too.
Is this true? How do you say that word?