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Princeton University Athletics
'I am honored to follow those who came before me'
September 07, 2000 | Men's Basketball
Sept. 7, 2000
Princeton University Men's Basketball Press Conference The Announcement of new Men's Head Coach, John Thompson III Princeton Stadium, Class of '56 Lounge 2000 September, 8 2:00 p.m.
I. Opening remarks by Princeton Athletic Director, Dr. Gary Walters:
"I have a unique prospective on the hiring of head basketball coaches here at Princeton. While I was a student in 1969 the athletic department questioned me about Pete Carril, since I had played for him in high school."
"We are very pleased for Bill Carmody, who will be taking over at Northwestern University, which has an excellent reputation. Everyone at Princeton appreciates the fine job that he did for us while he was, and we all wish him the best of luck"
"There are several definable characteristics, which can be attributed to the coaches who have left their mark on the tradition of basketball at Princeton: 1. They were all solid basketball players. 2. They all believed in the merits of a liberal arts education. 3. They all had a passion for the game of basketball and competition in general. 4. They all were great teachers. 5. They all believed in "values based coaching." 6. All of them were schooled in the art of the backdoor and the intricacies of the Princeton basketball system, but they all added their own special trademark to the tradition." "Why did Princeton University decided to offer Mr. John Thompson III the Head Men's Basketball Coaching position? 1. His basketball philosophy, character, and passion for the game of basketball were all extraordinary. 2. Also, what really convinced me was his concept of being a coach at Princeton. As a former scholar, player, and assistant coach here, he understands the excellence of our institution, which is one of the defining characteristics here at Old Nassau."
II. Excerpts from Mr. John Thompson III's acceptance speech:
"I want to thank President Shapiro and Princeton University for the opportunity they have given me as the new Head Men's Basketball Coach."
"I am honored to follow those who came before me in Princeton's storied basketball history. I want to let every person that ever played here at Princeton that I will work hard to honor this tradition. Princeton is excellence, and this is no different for basketball at this institution."
"'I wanted "Buck" [Mr. George E."Buck" Boccanfusco worked for the Princeton University Athletic Grounds Crew since 1946, and, since retiring in 1989, he has voluntarily kept the Jadwyn Gymnasium floor spotless. He is an important man in the history of basketball at Princeton.] to be a part of this, because he hasn't missed a day of work since 1989. Also, I want to acknowledge Mr. Hank Towns [also a member of the Princeton Athletic Grounds Crew for the last 30 years.], who is Princeton Athletics."'
"Everyone that I have known has helped, and I want to thank them. People like Anthony Trombley, who is unfortunately no longer with us, my mother, father, brother, Pete Carril, Bill Carmody, and everyone else here at Princeton."
III. Question and Answer Period between Coach Thompson III and the media:
Q: What has your week been like?
A: "Coach Carmody and I were talking about how we could get Chris Young more involved outside and Nate Walton more involved inside, then Chris decided to sign a Major League Baseball contract with the Pirates, which means that he will no longer play for us here at Princeton. Also, Bill accepted the head men's coaching position at Northwestern University. After a few meetings with Princeton Athletic Director, Dr. Gary Walters, Mike Brennan and I were talking about ways to get Nate Walton more involved inside (THERE WAS MUCH LAUGHTER)"
Q: Did the University's job offer catch you off-guard?
A: "It was very sudden and unexpected. In the coaching business one doesn't usually have the luxury of time on their side. The recent departures of Chris and Bill made it tougher."
Q: Did you talk to your players yet?
A: "Yes, I have talked to everyone of them. I expressed the same sentiments about the Princeton program that I read to you in my statement. They are all hard workers, and know that we are all together in our quest to keep up the impressive tradition of Princeton basketball. They will start coming in tomorrow, and we will beginning practice in about a month."
Q: How did you find out about Bill's decision to leave Princeton and accept the head coaching position at Northwestern?
A: "I was there when he got the initial call, and, while I did not go through everything with him, we were in touch during much of the time leading up to his decision being made public."
Q: What will be your own personal stamp at Princeton?
A: "Basketball at Princeton will always have certain characteristics regardless of who's coaching, but there will be some changes that will be made. Each team is different, and the changes that I make will reflect the composition of my team every year."
Q: What did your father have to say when he heard the news?
A: "As a father he was proud of me and excited about the opportunity Princeton had given me. As a coach he was scared and nervous, because a rather high bar of excellence has been set here."
Q: What was your father's advise and do you feel like your going to have to deal with the shadow his incredible coaching success at Georgetown has created?
A: "He told me to win games. As for being in his shadow and trying to live up to his legacy, I believe that I try to live up to the high accomplishments of people that have made an impact upon my life. I think that it is natural."
Q: Have you talked to Pete Carril at all?
A: "Yes, a couple of nights ago I spent a couple hours with him at his house. These people [people like Pete and other basketball friends] are not just co-workers they are a part of my life. They are among my best friends."
Q: Do you think that the timing of the decision was bad?
A: "I'm ready. Both Chris and Bill meant a lot to this program. It wasn't the best timing in the world."
Q: Are you going to drape a towel over your shoulder like your dad?
A: "I just hope that our teams can play at the same high level that my dad's teams at Georgetown and Pete and Bill's teams at Princeton."
Q: Was coaching at Princeton a long-range goal for you?
A: "Yes and no. I didn't expect to be named coach here, and I didn't think that I would have stayed around and waited for my turn for as long as Bill Carmody did when he served as an assistant under Pete. I would occasionally look over at the head coaching chair and wonder during games, but never in a really serious manner."
Q: What does Princeton mean to you?
A: "Things that I associate with Princeton are commitment, dedication, an expectation of success, and the challenge to maintain that lofty expectation."