NBA Hall of Famer John Stockton has joined the Montana State University women’s basketball program as an assistant coach for the remainder of the 2015-16 campaign, announced MSU Head Coach Tricia Binford, Tuesday morning.
Stockton will replace Kellee Barney, who announced she was leaving the program to enter private business and be with family in the Seattle area, last week.
“First, I want to thank Kellee for her time in the program and what she brought to the team, both on and off the court,” Binford said. “Kellee was passionate about the well-being of our student-athletes. She has our whole support and we know she needed to do what was best for her and her family.
“With the timing right before the start of the season, we were looking for someone that would offer us the smoothest transition, and John is someone who has been consistently around our program that we respect and trust,” Binford said. “He’s coached four of our current players; he’s always working in a gym; and given his commitment to family and business, we’re very appreciative that he’s agreed to become a part of our program.”
Stockton coached daughter Lindsay, along with Hannah Caudill, at Gonzaga Prep. In addition, he coached with the Sandpipers AAU team out of Spokane that also included Delany Junkermier and Lexi Dawkins.
“Coach Binford called and took a flier asking if I’d be interested,” Stockton said. “I’m excited about the prospect of working with the kids. I’ve enjoyed watching the team over the past three years. I had a chance to be around them and develop relationships during their trip to the Bahamas this spring. It will be a fun group to work with.”
Binford and Stockton are still working on logistics for on-court practices and game days. He currently resides in Spokane, Washington.
The Bobcat women’s basketball team will open the season Nov. 4 when it hosts Montana Tech in exhibition play. Season-tickets for the 2015-16 schedule are available by calling 406-994-CATS or visiting msubobcats.com.
http://www.msubobcats.com/news/2015/10/27/WBB_1027151254.aspx
Tagged with: Assistant DI NBA
