If Anthony Grant prepares for opponents like he prepared for his introductory press conference, Alabama basketball fans are in for a treat.
Speaking to a standing-room only crowd of reporters, trustees and coaches Sunday at the Mal Moore Athletic Building, Grant impressed with his confident, measured address.
Of course, winning the press conference doesn't count in the standings. Mike Price made a great first impression a few years back with his bravado and was out of town before he ever coached a game.
But Grant needed to show he was in control (a la Nick Saban in January, 2007), and not in over his head (see Mike Shula - 2003). Mission accomplished.
Reporters like yours truly take with them to these events a list of topics we think viewers/readers would want to see covered.
Before taking a single question, Anthony Grant addressed every single one. His status as the first African-American head coach in the "big sports" (men's hoops or football) at Bama: "something I don't take lightly. A tremendous honor." His two-day deliberation before accepting Bama's offer, leading to speculation he was considering other opportunities: "This is my first choice. This is where I want to be. This is where I think we can do some special things."
And on and on it went. Bama's reputation as a football school? Check. Rumored promises of facilities enhancements? Check. Plans for his coaching staff? Check.
This is clearly a man who had done his homework.
Grant even added the classy gesture of giving credit to previous coach Mark Gottfried for his accomplishments (five straight trips to the Big Dance) and thanking interim coach Philip Pearson for keeping the ship on a steady course after Gottfried "resigned."
Grant's final act of wisdom was to repeatedly reference Tide football coach Saban (who was trying to keep a low profile in the back of the room) with reverence. There's only one king on this campus, and it isn't the basketball coach.
I'm sold. Now let's see if the state's (and the region's) top hoop prospects are as easily swayed.
See you next time!
God bless - Jeff
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