Damon will do a great job at Georgia Tech, just like he did for us at University of the Pacific! He inherited a Pacific program that was placed on NCAA probation and stripped of 6 scholarships over a 3-year period due to violations under the previous short-lived head coach Ron Verlin. Damon was hired at Pacific in 2016 by Dr. Ted Leland, the renowned former Athletic Director at Stanford University, who had returned to Pacific to first stabilize and then propel his alma mater forward by, among other things, moving the university from the Big West to the West Coast Conference. By his second season in 2017-18, Damon had the Tigers tied for 4th in the rugged WCC at 9-9 and then 2 years later he produced a 23-10 season and a third place tie with Saint Mary's, right behind stalwarts Gonzaga and BYU. I have no doubt that Damon will also turn things around quickly for the Yellow Jackets!
@Artur Bello Actually, Damon was a highly publicized finalist for the Arizona job that went to Tommy Lloyd. Pacific did extend Damon’s contract in 2020 through 2025-26 but ultimately could not compete with NBA money or the lure of working alongside a lifetime friend. And, lastly, Damon does not shy away from his past - in fact, given his background and the mistakes he made earlier in life, he is fueled by a passion to be a great role model to his kids and and to the players he coaches.
This is one of the least impressive introductory press conferences I have seen. I get it that he is emotional, but he is not particularly articulate. He said nothing of substance. e.g. "I see some faces in the crowd, some I know, some I don't". Really? What a coincidence because that's all I see when I look into a crowd too. I know he was a great player, but that does not always translate to a good coach (e.g. Ted Williams). I never cared for Pastner, but I can't see that this is an upgrade. Time will tell, but I have low expectations.
And why did Batt talk over him on 2 questions? This smells like a mistake, GT deserves better.... If he was so good as a HC @ Pacific then why did he become an asst again? That's not what happens when your the man. 3 words UN DER WHELMING
