The Boston Celtics officially introduced new head coach Ime Udoka to the media in that role Monday morning, allowing the new Celtics coach to field an array of questions on his hire.
The 18th head coach in franchise history, Udoka had previously had a 12-year career as a pro player (including seven years in the NBA) and previously served as an assistant coach with USA Basketball, the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, and most recently with the Brooklyn Nets, where he was in charge of developing the team’s defensive capabilities. Noting it was a “distinct pleasure” to welcome Udoka and his family into the wider Celtics family, lead governor Wyc Grousbeck led the statements from the team on the hire.
Relating Udoka will do “everything he can” to help bring Banner 18 to the franchise, Grousbeck spoke glowingly of the new coach’s background and qualifications.
Wyc Grousbeck on Ime Udoka: “I’m perfectly happy speaking five or 10 minutes with somebody, and it’s a nice conversation. Two hours went by in a flash. I was ready to go a couple more, ready to be stuck on a coast-to-coast red-eye next to him. It was that kind of electricity.” pic.twitter.com/CdsBliprAm
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 28, 2021