Initially, Kline thought most players …

Initially, Kline thought most players could play in the NBA, and would refer to them as being able to play in “The League.” Papile would respond the same way: “Which League?” He emphasized the need for Kline to look beyond the sports information director’s biography of a player. He wanted to know everything about a player, where he’s “from-from,” in Papile’s words. His family background, the role of basketball in a player’s life, what made him pick up a ball, what motivates him. Inquisitive by nature, Kline, with his ample recruiting background, took that advice quickly. “In another business, he could be a headhunter for a Fortune 500 company,” Papile said. “He has those types of skills where he doesn’t look at the résumé. ‘He likes to look between the lines’ is a good way to put it.”