🏀 Coach Avery Johnson LIVE Press Conference link (starts 11am)

[planomateo]

 

[planomateo]

Also on SECNetwork

 

[planomateo]

.....GUMPIN'

 

[UAgrad93]

"Even though coach Battle blessed me with a six-year contract, it won't take that long." I love to hear that kind of talk. This will get kids on board QUICK!!

 

[planomateo]

 

[planomateo]

 

[psychojoe]

He really did not say anything that Coach Grant did not say four years ago, but he said it with energy and enthusiasm. I think his style will really hit it big with HS and college age players. He definitely won the press conference.

 

[alabama mike]

It is great to see some excitement for the basketball program! Now, it's time to recruit kids who WANT to play for Bama AND win!

 

[Bamabww]

April 8, 2015

Avery Johnson introduced as Alabama's head basketball coach

D.C. Reeves
Rivals.com

Avery Johnson set the standard and put the state's top recruits on notice during a news conference introducing the former NBA star in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday.

"For us here at the University of Alabama, I wouldn't have taken this job if couldn't make it to the final four," said Johnson to a past-capacity room filled with players, former coaches, UA president Judy Bonner and UA Board of Trustees members. "Duke University is the standard. That's why I'm here."

Johnson, 50, spent five seasons as an NBA head coach - three years with the Dallas Mavericks (2005-08) and two with the New Jersey Nets (2010-12). He led the Mavericks to an NBA Finals appearance in the 2005-06 season.

He played 16 NBA seasons and won an NBA title as a member of the San Antonio Spurs.

Johnson, who has not coached at the college level, was offered the job last week after a meeting with UA athletic director Bill Battle in Dallas.

"After a few hours he convinced me he belonged in college basketball. And if that was the case I convinced him he belonged at the University of Alabama," Battle said.

Johnson inked a six-year contract worth more than $17 million. Though financial terms weren't disclosed, the signing of the contract was announced officially by the University on Monday night.

Johnson was welcomed by a host of notable names: The current Alabama basketball team, former UA head coaches C.M. Newton and Wimp Sanderson, former UA standout Trevor Releford, current softball coach Patrick Murphy and gymnastics coach Dana Duckworth among a full house in the Naylor Stone Media Suite.

Johnson, who warned he wasn't hesitant to "tell long stories," spent his time at the podium thanking former and current employers, influences in his life. Johnson was emotional when he recognized Ben Jobe, his head coach at Southern. He outlined his plan and took on the question about his ability to recruit at the college level head on.

"To every recruit in the state of Alabama, you are our first target," Johnson said. "If you want to make it to the next level, I'm your guy."

Johnson replaces Anthony Grant, who was fired after amassing a 117-85 record and one NCAA Tournament appearance in six seasons in Tuscaloosa.

The new era began in gregarious fashion.

"I promise you, I will work morning, noon and night to get the job done," Johnson said.

- See more at: https://alabama.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1754992#sthash.IGXVAKKW.dpuf