Stoudemire left speechless with emotion in Georgia Tech introduction originally appeared nbc sports boston
If you want to know how much Damon Stoudemire’s new job means to him, check out the first minute of his press conference on Tuesday.
The former Boston Celtics assistant was introduced as Georgia Tech’s new men’s basketball head coach on Tuesday, joining Georgia Tech president Angel Cabrera and athletic director Jay Batt when he met with the media. a day after leaving c in houston,
After speeches from Cabrera and Batt, Stoudamire took the microphone and managed just one word — “Wow” — before being overcome with emotion.
Stoudemire was speechless for nearly a full minute before the crowd burst into applause.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Stoudemire finally said.
7 pick in the 1995 NBA Draft and 1996 Rookie of the Year, Stoudamire enjoyed a 15-year career before entering the coaching ranks. The 49-year-old has actually had a long journey on the coaching side, playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, the University of Memphis, the University of Arizona, the University of the Pacific and the Celtics before starting as director of player development at Rice University in 2009.
Stoudemire, who went 71-77 in five seasons at Pacific from 2016 to 2021, has head coaching experience before joining the Celtics’ staff in July 2021. in the highly competitive ACC this season.
Looks like he’s eager for the challenge.
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“I’m excited beyond belief to be here,” Stoudamire said. “… This is a tradition-rich program, and one that aspires to go back to winning championships. We’re going to inspire the community, the student body, and get this thing going in the right direction.” “
Stoudemire’s departure is a hard blow to the Celtics: He was the only assistant on the staff with NBA playing experience and was a valuable resource to both head coaches. Joe Majulla and its players.
“I love being around Damon,” Jaylen Brown said on Monday, Via Taylor Snow of Celtics.com. “He’s probably one of my favorite guys in the organization, so it’s tough. But I’m super excited to start my journey for him, especially in my hometown (of Atlanta).”
Based on Stoudamire’s Tuesday response, though, it’s clear that this opportunity was a lifelong dream for the basketball lifer and couldn’t easily pass him by.