Video: Avery Johnson Owns Introductory Press Conference

Coach Avery Johnson and the University of Alabama got things off to a roaring start with Johnson’s introductory press conference held on Wednesday. Check out the video and highlights below as well as a few pictures from Twitter of the scene.

Athletics Director Bill Battle:

• Battle said when he first spoke to media when he took the job that he would have a steep learning curve and over the past few weeks, it got steeper.
• He’s learned a lot but if Nick Saban leaves, he is out of there and not hiring a football coach.
• Battle talked to a few guys that had been around NCAA basketball for a long time to find out more about Johnson. He was told impeccable character, integrity and reputation. Great basketball coach and a leader of young men.
• Was encouraged when he visited Johnson because his wife was wearing crimson slacks. Laughs and says his son didn’t have good judgement wearing Texas A&M clothes.
• After a few hours Johnson convinced Battle that he belonged in college basketball and Battle convinced him if that was the case, he belonged at the University of Alabama.

Head Coach Avery Johnson:

• Before Johnson gets to the “meat and potato” portion of his speech, he says it’s important to depart a place in a first-class manner before you enter one the same way. He thanks the ESPN family where he has worked for the past two years as well as other organizations and causes that he has worked with.
• Says that this having this job is such a thrill.
• Johnson takes a few moments to thank his family.
• Thanks Coach Battle and Dr. Bonner for the opportunity to lead the team. Says that Mrs. Battle and his wife have already hit it off. Thanks the trustees for welcoming them and looks forward to working with them in any way he can to promote the university.
• Got a chance to meet with the current players yesterday. They were a little anxious but he hopes that he alleviated the concerns.
• Acknowledges Coaches Wimp Sanderson and C.M. Newton.
• Johnson gets emotional talking about his former coach at Southern Ben Jobe being in attendance.
• Tells every recruit in Alabama that they are their first target. Wants to put a fence around the state. To ever high school and AAU coach, they are their priority. To all of the families of recruits, you are our first priority.
• Says they are taking this program to places it’s never been before.
• We are here to develop young men on and off the court.
• Goals for basketball: References Coach Gregg Popovich when he took over the Spurs -play defense like the Pistons, offense like the Bulls and win titles like the Celtics. “I wouldn’t have taken this job if we couldn’t make it to the Final Four”. Duke University is the standard for Alabama. Play like they do.
• Tells the community they need their support. “Buckle your seat belt. We’re going somewhere”. Fans are going to be more involved than they have in the past ten years. Former players have an open invitation to come to games.
• Johnson took this job because he had a desire to coach on the collegiate level. “When the University of Alabama calls, you pick up the phone”
• Recruits or their parents, families or coaches will recognize him. He will be able to recruit. Says no matter what you want out of your career, he’s your guy.
• Says he is ready to roll up his sleeves and go to work. Jokes he needs a sofa bed in his office.
• Coach Battle gave him a six year contract but he says he won’t take that long.
• Wraps it up with “Roll Tide!”

Photo Credit: RollTide.com