Kenny Anderson would love to come home
Kenny Anderson said today that he’d love to be a part of the next coaching staff at Georgia Tech.
“I know with my inexperience on the sidelines in college, I don’t need to be a head coach, but I would love to be a part of the program in some form or fashion,” he said.
Anderson, of course, is one of the greats in Tech’s history. A point guard from New York, he led “Lethal Weapon 3″ to the Final Four in 1990 as a freshman. He played one more year, helping the Yellow Jackets earn a No. 8 seed in the next NCAA tournament while averaging nearly 26 points per game.
He said he has a lot of respect for Paul Hewitt, who was fired on Saturday after 11 season as Tech’s coach. In one of those ironic statements, he said it’s too bad that Hewitt had so many one-and-dones that hurt the program’s momentum. Though Anderson left Tech early, he eventually earned a college degree from St. Thomas University in Miami. He lives in nearby Pembroke Pines with his third wife.
Anderson said he’d love to see athletic director Dan Radakovich bring in “a young guy, a charismatic type of guy, a guy who has ties recruiting in the south.”
Anderson said he thought Hewitt was treated fairly. He said the program has been down for a few years.
“When you are losing, no one likes it when you are losing, especially when you are a big-time program,” he said. “He was a top-paid coach, so it comes with the territory.”
As for his qualifications, Anderson said he brings his experiences from Tech and a 14-year career in the NBA. He has plenty of wisdom to share. As chronicled by Michelle Hiskey in a story in the AJC last year, Anderson squandered $60 million in basketball earnings.
“I definitely would bring great mentorship trying to lead those young men,” he said. “My experiences at Georgia Tech and my life experiences I could help them develop as players and young men.”
He said he thinks he would a good recruiter, especially in the South and the New York metropolitan area. As for X’s and O’s, “that’s a no-brainer. That’s easy for me, being that I was point guard and ran a bunch of teams in the NBA and Tech when I was a freshman.
“Having a face like mine, with all the success I had at Georgia Tech, bringing me back would be a breath of fresh air. I think alumni and boosters would love to see Kenny Anderson back with the program.”
– Doug Roberson, AJC
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146 comments Add your comment
Tech'93
March 13th, 2011
8:15 pm
So, Kenny, need a job, eh? I think DRad might have Joe Hamilton flashbacks if the next coach forwarded your resume for consideration, but hope you can prove us wrong.
louisville slugger
March 13th, 2011
8:19 pm
Doug, no offense, but it’s hard to take you seriously when you “report” stuff like this. Do you seriously think the GTAA would hire someone who left the Institute after two years and has such a spotty record off the court??
BBUZZOFF
March 13th, 2011
8:29 pm
Mark Price is who the money folks want. Will see if they get their wish this time.
Tech86
March 13th, 2011
8:32 pm
Donnie Tyndall from Morehead State, developed All-American Kenneth Farihid, three trips to NCAA!
oo wow haha
March 13th, 2011
8:32 pm
so tech is going to be coach K or john calipari? hahahahahaha
Tech Forever
March 13th, 2011
8:35 pm
Hey Kenny, you wanna be a part of Georgia Tech….try getting your butt back in class and graduating.
McBubba
March 13th, 2011
8:53 pm
Make it Happen!!
Special K, deserves a shot as an assistant. He just needs to keep his profile on the DL..
That chick from TLC might show up, and burn his house down again..
BWAAA!!
(I know, it was “Bad Moon” Rison’s crib…I was being facetious..is it the 17th yet..?)
Doug Roberson
March 13th, 2011
9:00 pm
Louisville, I know that Kenny seems to have things straightened out in his life. He has learned his lessons. I have no idea if he would be a good coach or rep. of the Institute, but I do think he would be a living example of why players need to stay in school and not fall into the trappings of being a pro athlete.
will jc
March 13th, 2011
9:01 pm
No doubt about it, Tech should hire Anderson, he is a proven recruiter ( 3 wives and counting ), and a person any parent, player, coach, or Athletic Director can trust ( “Anderson squandered 60 million in NBA earnings” ). He also have 3 years of NCAA experience, sounds like a qualilty hire to me!!!!!!! I will give him credit, he did go back and earn his degree, which is the only thing he has to offer towards becomming an NCAA Divison I Coach!
Jim Harrick
March 13th, 2011
9:32 pm
Bring in Jerry Sloan! He did more with less in the NBA! No retreads please!
michael
March 13th, 2011
9:38 pm
mark price as head coach, kenny anderson and john salley the assistance and don’t forget duane ferrell.. hell bring um all back!
michael
March 13th, 2011
9:42 pm
salley the recruiter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ILuvHewitt
March 13th, 2011
9:48 pm
404 … GREAT POSTS!!! AGREE! AGREE!! AGREE!!!
Kenny Anderson has TOO MUCH BAGGAGE!!!!
GT forever
March 13th, 2011
10:20 pm
Thanks Rads for thinking 1st of GT’s basketball program and putting Hewitt out.
possible New Coach
1. Mike Anderson -Missouri
2. Marquetta’s Buzz Williams
3. Old Dorminion’s Blaine Taylor
4. Duke’s asst coach Steve Wojciechowski (sp)
5. Brian Gregory would be great.
Just my 2 cents worth
GT 65
March 13th, 2011
10:23 pm
We just got fired 1 joke..let not hire another (Kenny A) joke…we need some class. Right on 404
sports
March 13th, 2011
10:23 pm
$7,200,000.00 WHAT A JOKE!
Loyal Season Ticket Holder
March 13th, 2011
10:26 pm
No mention of Craig Neal? Granted, he wasn’t stellar when he was in school, but he seems to have a respectable record as an associate/assistant. As a student in the 80’s yes, it would be awesome to see some of those players on the bench again, but it will be even better to get someone who can truly lead our talent to the post season. I’m ready for a season when I really want to be at the games, and don’t forget when the away games are on. Not sure I want Kenny involved.
GT 65
March 13th, 2011
10:26 pm
Yes that was Braine’s death wish…Hewitt was the damn joke.
John
March 13th, 2011
10:33 pm
I like the idea of bringing Kenny on board.
GIVE ME A BREAK
March 13th, 2011
10:39 pm
Hewitt wasn’t smart enough to bring in former players as assistants. Hope the next coach is. Every assistant should be a graduate of GT. Go to class Kenny and then apply when you’re finished.
C C
March 13th, 2011
10:57 pm
@ Do What?
“As for “top facilities” , you dont get around much do you? The GT job ranks with Clemson, Ole Miss, Colorado, and a notch above Georgia St. You are in a tier with Clemson, Miami, Missouri, Boston College, Memphis, Alabama, Georgia.”
What are you SMOKING?!? Other than Memphis, since the NCAAs expanded to 64 teams in 1985 ALL of those other teams COMBINED have been to ZERO Final Fours! We all know GT has been to two during that time. You are right about Memphis, but GT’s record for big wins, conference championships, NCAA appearances, and NCAA wins during that time is better than ALL of those other teams.
As for facilities, the Zelniak Center already is top-tier, and the new stadium will be right there in about a year. UGA’s stadium was a laughing stock until it was recently renovated. Just ask any non-delusional UGA fan who went there during that time…if you can find any.
And ask any recruit if they’d rather by in BFE Missouri, Missouri, Colorado, or Clemson…or in the ATL. GT and Memphis are CLEARLY better programs then all those others.
But hey…don’t let the FACTS get in your way.
reality
March 13th, 2011
11:02 pm
Kenny did get his degree from somewhere else, he finished up in 2010. I hope he applies.
I also hope there are several GT players applying for head and assistant coaches. Eleven years plus is way too long for the program to go without its own. Hewitt should have hired a few. Why he did not is beyond me. I mean I have to laugh when bloggers recommend former UNC or Duke players. GT was right up there with them at one time. Our former players do not have to take a back seat to anyone. We have several drafted in the NBA first round. It is hard to ignore Mark Price, an All American, with retired jersey from GT and Cleveland, the former NBA 3 pt shootout winner. I mean what else can Price do? I do think DRAD realized GT does have some former players who they ought to interview. Even Jon Barry mentioned the same thing on ESPN radio this morning. I remember when the 6th man off the bench played in the NBA as well. They all came for the GT players. Out of that bunch, somebody should impress the GTAA.
C C
March 13th, 2011
11:02 pm
BTW how many good NBA players have all of those schools produced? None of them compare to GT during the last 25 years or so:
http://www.databasebasketball.com/players/bycollege.htm?sch=Georgia+Institute+of+Technology
Tech Forever
March 13th, 2011
11:22 pm
Let me be clear…..Kenny Anderson played two fantastic seasons at Georgia Tech and then left never to return and finish his degree. I don’t give a rat’s arse if he got an online degree from some other school. IF YOU START AT TECH YOU DAMN WELL NEED TO FINISH AT TECH. Plus he completed showed his tail with his immature rants and ravings when Harpring’s number was retired; talk ing about how he was this and he did that and if a guy like Harpring gets his number retired then he should have a bronzed statue in the coliseum.
You owe a lot of people at Tech a bigtime apology Mr. Anderson (”Mr.” used loosely). You want to coach at Tech, with even the slightest bit of responsibility then in my opinion you must 1) finish what you started with getting your degree from Tech, 2) apologize to those you know you’ve insulted (including your former head coach, Harpring, and every other GT basketball player who spilled as much sweat in the lab as he did on the court who you think (or thought) you are better than regardless of wether their number is retired or not. Do those two things and then we’ll see. You want Tech to embrace you? When are you going to embrace Tech?
S'paw_99
March 13th, 2011
11:46 pm
I’m a current student, so sadly I’m too young to have been able to have the pleasure of watching guys like Price, Anderson, Spider, and some of the other greats play. I do think that’d it would be great & create some excitement to have some former players come back in some form or another. Hewitt really screwed that up. I believe that when we were really struggling w/ FT’s a couple of yrs ago Price offered to come in for free & work w/ the players, Hewitt said No.
Either way, I think D Rad will make the right choice.
Go Jackets!
a fan
March 13th, 2011
11:49 pm
Don’t need Anderson’s baggage. I hope he has learned alot through his adventures, and is a better man for it. However, we need to go for quality, as GT is vastly improving the physical facilities, let’s improve the quality of all aspects. I would rather be embarrased on the court (field) with quality people rather than off the court (field) a la UGA. Also, their arena is a converted barn, and the stench is still there.
Tech Forever
March 13th, 2011
11:51 pm
S’paw_99
You are correct. Mark did make that offer. I know Salley and Forrest have made similar gestures, and although he’s not the most outgoing guy Harpring worked out at Tech every off-season for years and you’d never know he had anything to do with Tech baskebtall because essentially he was made to feel not welcome by Hewiitt.
Look I’m not opposed to former players helping the program or even assistant coaching. But NONE OF THEM….including Price…have a shread of the amount of experience in coaching that a team like Tech needs right now to be the Head Coach.
Hunker Down
March 13th, 2011
11:51 pm
Kenny Anderson needs to figure out where home is…he left Tech…early…did not care enough about his team.
Tech Forever
March 13th, 2011
11:54 pm
Here my whole thing with Kenny Anderson. If he were serious, or if he were being seen as being serious, about this whole coaching thing then why hasn’t Cremins brought him on at C of C? Personally I don’t think Kenny has a clue as to the level of commitment, hard work, and time it takes to be a successful college basketball coach. Proving it by starting at the high school level would go a long way but it seems he refuses to take that course of action.
Butts Wagner
March 13th, 2011
11:59 pm
What’s kind of amazing looking at the link that C C provides is that Hewitt had a player who played at least one game in the NBA on every team he had except for this year(and it’s a total of 10 players with 4 one and dones). And that may change if Shumpert gets drafted this year or next. And I think there is some potential for Holsey, Oliver, and maybe Rice Jr. The list does include Hewitt’s first year which had Alvin Jones in his senior year. I wonder how many teams that are not basketball powerhouses that can say that. I’m not as well versed in Georgia basketball, but they have at least 3 years without an NBA player in the same time span, depending on who makes it from their current team and at this point, it’s 2 players in the NBA plus whoever makes it from this year’s team. I’d love to see some in depth analysis about where GT stands as a program when it comes to putting players into the NBA. They won’t beat powerhouse programs, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them be considered a second tier. Further checking shows that that website isn’t the best. Where’s Hakeem Warrick from Syracuse? Looking at basketball-reference.com, Syracuse has 9 guys who made the NBA in the same time frame as Hewitt was coach(and exlcuding guys who made the league because their college careers ended before Hewitt was coach at GT). The point is that I think GT would compare very favorably to successful programs in regards to putting guys in the NBA. GT won’t compare to the best programs, like Kansas, which is always a good team and has 15 guys who made the league in the same time span. Duke has 14. UConn has 11. UNC has 14. UCLA has 15. UF has 11. UT has 12. Maryland has 8. Wake has 7. FSU has 5. These numbers are one of the negatives against Hewitt. He clearly attracts good talent and at a rate that makes GT appear to be a national power. His record does not reflect this recruiting power. This brings me to my next point. Andy Katz said GT is not as attractive a job as it appears due to ATL being a pro town. I beg to differ as GT can clearly get top recruits, which means GT can get deep classes as well. And it’s been proven during Hewitt’s tenure that this is true. Also, if ATL is a pro town, how come ATL is notorious for not supporting the pro teams? Katz can’t have it both ways. As a non-ATL native, the best description of ATL is a front-running town. If a local team is winning, they will support it. Whoever the new coach is, all he has to do is win to get fans out. Based on GT’s past, he should be able to get very good recruits like Hewitt has been able to do. If he’s winning with those players on a consistent basis, watch out.
Old Tech Dude
March 14th, 2011
12:06 am
Perhaps we could get Kenny to teach the kids money management – oh wait. Perhaps we could get Kenny to teach relationship building – oh wait. Perhaps Kenny could tell them to be more than one and done – oh wait.
How about we go get a BASKETBALL COACH and let him pick assistant COACHES.
Butts Wagner
March 14th, 2011
12:19 am
I hate to pile on Hewitt, because he hasn’t been as terrible a coach as I think we’ve sometimes made him out to be, but the deeper numbers backup the sub par winning percentage numbers. I’d love to see some comparisons showing how many teams multiple NBA players didn’t make the tournament or how many teams put 10 guys in the NBA in 11 years and made the tourney only 5 times. I have a feeling that these numbers would not look good for Hewitt. Going back to Syracuse, they made the NCAA’s 8 times over Hewitt’s tenure and the NIT 3 times. They were 11/11 in making post season tournaments. GT is 6/11 in the same time frame, with a 10 to 9 advantage in NBA players(excepting players from the current teams). Syracuse’s worst record was 21-14 in that same time frame. Their worst conference record was 7-9 in that time frame. In fact, that was their only sub-500 conference record. I don’t expect GT to find the next Jim Boeheim, but come on, the talent is clearly not inferior at GT. I think a reasonable expectation is that GT should at least right around .500 in conference every 3 out of 4 years. I’m giving GT 1 out of every 4 years to have a down year. It doesn’t mean GT has to make the tourney 3 out of every 4 years, but being at least a bubble team is expected. If VT can be a bubble team every year, GT should be better than them at least 60% of the time.
Coach Cal
March 14th, 2011
1:02 am
guys, i am not coming to Atlanta unless its for the SEC tourney but PLEASE hire my guy, Derek Kelogg, dont let his record fool you at UMass but he is the guy for you. HIRE DK!!!!!
j
March 14th, 2011
1:19 am
Remember this AJC story: Kenny Anderson makes 700 on SAT on Third Try. Admitted to Tech.
5150 UOAD
March 14th, 2011
2:21 am
Kenny would LOVE a pay check. Maybe he could be at Tech long enough to get at least one of his kids through college for free.
Stinger 2
March 14th, 2011
4:24 am
Kenny certainly was not bashful about stating his own views about what he could bring to GT basketball. No other comment from me about Anderson.
I just hope DRad and his search team will ignore all advice from the media, alumni and fans and make the selection of a new coach based on who they think is best.
K
March 14th, 2011
6:21 am
Stinger 2: He will.
Hewitt Fan 4
March 14th, 2011
7:20 am
Hey Coach Cal – nobody wants your slimy butt at Tech. The SEC is the perfect conference for your cheating, slimy, filthy program. And we’d just as soon not have anything to do with anyone you’ve mentored.
Hope your out in the first round, along with the poodles.
Ralph Boardman
March 14th, 2011
7:35 am
$60 million gone?
Jackets 2011
March 14th, 2011
8:19 am
The money folks wanted clean cut Bill Curry and so dumped the California influenced Pepper who left a good gig to come back.
He should have stayed at UCLA where they had more of a commitment to him.
Don’t take an actual look at Curry’s record if u like to think of our past coaches (as u usually do) as better than they actually were.
Maybe Price can rally the troops but it would be very risky.
Once again we’d have to hope for top assistants to help overcome inexperience.
The former player (Curry, Goff and Shula) seldom work out.
Sidney Lowe too.
And Kenny.
He could always be the assistant who says “do as I say, not as I do”.
Jackets 2011
March 14th, 2011
8:20 am
Stinger 2.
Agreed.
Brock
March 14th, 2011
8:23 am
“Having a face like mine, with all the success I had at Georgia Tech, bringing me back would be a breath of fresh air.
Is he serious? glad he’s not full of himself.
ga tech 92
March 14th, 2011
8:25 am
Anyone with a huge name and ties to GT like special K…of course we want that guy on the staff somehow!
Buzz
March 14th, 2011
8:34 am
GROUND HOG DAY IS OVER!!!!! I couldn’t be happier!!!! See ya CPH!!!!!!!!! Enjoy your loot. Craig Neal as coach, Mark price,kenny Anderson and Jon Barry as assistants!!!! That would be our DREAM TEAM!!!!!!!
Gatorman
March 14th, 2011
9:03 am
I like Kenny Anderson, but he chose not to stick around for the more typical 3-years that most of the players do when they want to help the program. There’s nothing wrong with him making the career decision and leave very early, but not if you also want to make him part of the program now. What’s he going to say to the kids coming in, one and done is good?? If you are paying attention around the NBA now, a higher percentage of the one year players are not doing well, so the kids need to trust the coach that tells them to stay for 3-4 and hone your skills rather than listening to agents.
Thanks Drads
March 14th, 2011
9:08 am
Forget Kenny and go after Mike Anderson are Cuonzo Martin, Brian Gregory, Scott Drew…let the head coach pick his staff. It would be great to see Price are X GT players on staff.
Price is long shot but I believe he has what it takes to get the job done.
Praying Drads makes the right choice……..Its time for GT to Shine again!
eBuzz
March 14th, 2011
9:09 am
404 says it all. We need a coach, not a former NBAer, who has a resume filled with me, me, me, it’s all about me. All of you bringing up Mark Price should get realistic, too. Yes, he’s a nice guy, was a great player, and Tech loves him, but he is NOT head coach material. We don’t need former Tech grads or players, many of which are not grads – e.g., Anderson. And, Doug why do you keeping writing garbage like this and your recent fawning over Hewitt? Maybe the AJC needs a new Tech blogger, too. Gold and white runs in my veins, but Bill King runs circles around you with the UGA blog.
The Anti-BuzzDraft
March 14th, 2011
9:09 am
I hope the new coach keeps Darryl LaBarrie on staff. He is the recruiting coach and we need some continuity with our recruiting. This will be the biggest obstacle in getting new players to the team. CDL played for Cremins and Hewitt and has worked his way up through the assistant coaching ranks unlike many of the names being thrown out on this blog. From what I have read online, he is responsible for landing Royal and he played and coached for the Atlanta Celtics. Tech needs to keep ties to the Celtics as they have the best AAU talent in the state. I know many of you think that all of the former players will reinvigorate the fan base and all of that other crap but Tech basketball is big time basketball and we should not hire coaches based on emotion or nostalgia.
Buzz alive
March 14th, 2011
9:15 am
Hewitt fan has new name.@ 9:09….got a good point. Got to go after the BEST not emotions.
The Anti-BuzzDraft
March 14th, 2011
9:18 am
Buzz alive, if that is directed at me you can check older blogs and see that I have always posted under this name. I have never posted under Hewitt fan. Thanks.