BY GERY WOELFEL

Before the Milwaukee Bucks packed their bags and headed out on their summer vacations last Thursday, they knew if they were still on the team next season they would have a new head coach,

The consensus opinion at the time was the Bucks would hire either Rick Carlisle or Scott Skiles. I queried some Bucks players about both individuals and their reactions were generally mixed.

There was one player, however, whose face began to cringe almost in a painful manner when I mentioned Skiles. His look spoke volumes.

It was amply apparent he wasn’t a Skiles’ guy, and it was equally apparent he wasn’t looking forward to playing for him.

The player went on to say that he had conversations with several members of the Chicago Bulls, whom Skiles coached until being fired last December — on Christmas Eve, of all times.

What this particular player heard from some of the Bulls about Skiles was anything but complimentary. To some Bulls, Skiles was condescending, egotistical and insensitive. And, no, they weren’t sad to see him fired.

That sentiment was shared by several Phoenix Suns players when Skiles was fired back in 2002. In Phoenix, Skiles also alienated some players, including Hall-of-Fame in-waiting point guard Jason Kidd.

You can go to the bank with the idea that Skiles will do the same in his new job in Milwaukee. That’s the way he’s wired. He’s incredibly intense and driven to succeed — just like he was as a rather non-athletic player who broke into the NBA as a first-round pick of the Bucks in 1986.

Skiles is also honest. At times, he’s brutally honest. He doesn’t pull any punches and, according to some of his former players, he doesn’t care whether he offended you or not.

Such candidness by a coach was once commonplace. Old school players accepted criticism whether it was meant to be constructive or not. They simply did what the coach told them.

That’s not the case anymore. Just ask Larry Krystkowiak, whom Skiles has succeeded as Bucks’ coach and who just happens to be one of his best friends.

On several occasions this season, Krystkowiak’s words fell on deaf ears. There were also times when, after he said something, a player said something back, using words that would make a sailor blush.

Say what you want about today’s players being better athletes and better players — and you’d probably be correct — but don’t say today’s players are more respectful of authority. They’re not.

Nor do most professional athletes care about anyone else but themselves. Many have a convoluted belief the universe revolves only around them.

When Terry Porter was fired as the Bucks coach a few years ago, one player called him to extend their condolences.

When Larry Harris was fired as the Bucks’ general manager a couple of weeks ago, not one player called him.

Yet, it was Harris who gave some of those players a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play in the NBA or went to bat for them during contract negotiations, giving them financial stability for the rest of their lives.

At Monday’s press conference at the Bradley Center, Skiles said he was a better coach in Chicago than he was in Phoenix and that he expected to be a better coach in Milwaukee than he was in Chicago.

If that is to happen, Skiles will have to tone down his act. He’s going to have to show more restraint. He’s going to have to embrace his players rather than distance himself from them.

And, if he doesn’t, the inevitable will likely take place for him — just like it did in Phoenix and Chicago.

Some other tidbits on the Skiles’ hiring:

n Contrary to a published report that Skiles got an offer he couldn’t refuse, the reality is he got a relatively-modest contract, by NBA standards, from the Bucks: a four-year deal worth approximately $18 million.

n Bucks officials at the press conference, including owner Herb Kohl, insisted Skiles was their top candidate since the coaching search began.

Yet, there are some individuals close to Carlisle who contend he was the Bucks’ primary target. Furthermore, they claim Carlisle could have had the Bucks’ job if he so desired.

But the Carlisle camp claims Hammond wanted a quick decision from Carlisle. Instead, Carlisle balked, apparently so he could look into other head coaching openings.

Hammond then focused all of his efforts on hiring Skiles.

n While Skiles and Krystkowiak are friends, Skiles virtually ruled out any possibility of Krystkowiak joining his staff as an assistant coach.

It wouldn’t be surprising, however, if Skiles hires some of his assistants from his days with the Bulls, including Jimmy Boylan and Ron Adams, who was once a Bucks assistant coach.

n While Krystkowiak is one of Skiles’ best friends, Krystkowiak’s agent, Warren LeGarie, is also Carlisle’s agent.

Meanwhile, Skiles’ "advisor’’ is Keith Glass. Keith Glass’ dad, Joe, represents Larry Brown, whom the Bucks apparently had some interest in hiring and is also the agent for Bucks backup guard Royal Ivey.

n Look for Hammond to add a couple of more people to his staff, including a director of scouting and someone with salary-cap experience.

n Nobody can accuse Kohl or any of his lieutenants i.e. Ron Walter, Mike Burr or John Steinmiller of "meddling’’ on the Skiles’ hiring. This was Hammond’s call all the way.