Atlanta Hawks Former Head Coach Terry Stotts

by John Kim

Quick, when was the last time you got excited about the Atlanta Hawks? No, seriously… The Hawks - our NBA team.

Exactly. It’s been a long dry spell since our hometown Hawks have captured the city’s collective fancy like the Braves and Falcons have. Even the Thrashers, introducing a new sport and some exciting players, have been greeted with full arenas and cheerful crowds. But the Hawks, well, other than that “playoff guarantee” made last year (ouch!), haven’t been all that interesting since the days of Dominique. But those that know the game are starting to take note of what is going on in the big A.T.L. An imminent new owner, a young team that is starting to gel and played very solid (winning) basketball over the last half of last season, and one of the leagues’ most respected young coaches beginning his first full season at the helm; gives Atlantans a reason to actually go to Philips Arena to see the HOME team.

I was recently asked to assist the Atlanta Hawks in promoting their annual Atlanta Hawks Foundation Golf Classic. I somehow persuaded them to get me a round of golf with Head Coach Terry Stotts. (Geez, guess I could have asked for some cheerleaders too.)

I was excited but a little worried. Like many Atlantans, my interest in the Hawks often correlates with their winning percentage. Thus, right now I know little about the team and less about their new coach. My biggest concern was not looking like an idiot when the coach and I teed it up.

On a gorgeous Saturday morning, Coach Stotts and I met at Hamilton Mill Golf Club up in Dacula. I got the whole “looking like an idiot” thing out of the way when I greeted him with, “You must be Coach Stotts.” I wonder why I might think that? The NBA logos on his socks, the Atlanta Hawks emblem on his shirt, or his 6 ft. 8” presence probably clued me in. Regardless, he didn’t seem to hold it against me and in fact, seemed as personable and friendly as you could possibly hope for in any golfing partner.

Since I had little knowledge about Coach Stotts, I had no real expectation of what type of golfer or playing partner he would actually be. What I did know was very impressive and a bit intimidating. He was a two-time Academic All-American while at Oklahoma while leading the school to their first Big Eight title in 31 years. He has a degree in Zoology and an MBA. He was a second round pick of the Houston Rockets. He has played professional basketball in Spain and France. He has co-authored several books. And of course, he is the 9th head coach in Atlanta Hawks history. Oh and by the way, the guy is a pretty good golfer too.

After some brief range time and a few putts, we’re paired with another twosome and we tee it up. After sacrificing my first drive to the Out of Bounds Gods on the left, Coach Stotts encourages me to hit again. “You always get two off the first tee.” Coach hits a low liner down the left side. It’s in play but a long ways from the green and in thick rough on a downhill lie. I offer him the same courtesy. “No, I can play that” he responds. Chalk one up for integrity.

We both bogey the hole (his was legit) and I’m feeling more comfortable around him. He makes non stressful pars on the next three holes, all the while telling me that his best round is a 78 and that he has only broken 80 a few times. On Hamilton Mill’s difficult #5, he drains a long 30-footer for birdie and is now even par. He saves par on #6 by hitting a testy 10-footer. I’m wondering if basketball isn’t a passing fancy in his mind and that his real calling will be the Senior PGA Tour.

Dan Reeves, Bobby Cox, and Bob Hartley are all recognized as being in the top of their coaching fields and all head teams here in Atlanta. Coach Stotts certainly doesn’t have that name recognition (not yet), but he fills the role of leader as smoothly as he swings a 7 iron. When he talks, whether it’s about the nuances of French culture or how to best compete with the 76ers, it’s with an authority and confidence that assures the listener that he is a person to take at his word. We touch on a wide variety of topics, all of which he addresses openly and honestly. He regrets that several great NBA stories (players involved in charities for example) are overlooked by the national media to focus on a few negative but prominent news items.

He feels a bit humbled by the idea that he is one of only twenty-nine people that are the head coach of an NBA franchise, but he does not feel intimidated in the least. He is genuinely excited about his team’s prospects. He will not make the same “guarantee” that the team made last year, but you kind of sense he wants to. His answers are straight forward but not cliched. He looks at you when he speaks. He is persuasive, his enthusiasm is infectious. He is what you think of when you think Head Coach. After meeting him, you can’t help but feel good about his team. I’m not saying we’ll win it all next year, but I’m not saying we won’t either. Not anymore.

On hole #7, the long par 5, Coach Stotts follows up an average drive with a rotten second shot into the hazard. He follows that with another shot - into the hazard. By the time his ball finds the cup, he has carded a 9. I don’t know how many players at even par would write a “9” on their scorecard, but he does. I’d bet even fewer players could manage a smile or crack a joke after a 9, but he does that too. He ends the front nine with another gutsy putt to save par and has shot 41 on the front side. Did I mention resiliancy?

Sometimes, fate has a funny way of playing itself out. With his impressive academic credentials, Coach Stotts was hours away from accepting a lucrative corporate position upon graduation. Though he had expressed a desire to stay in basketball, for a year there were no calls. Then, in a last minute reprieve of his sports career, he got two phone offers to play in Europe. He became an accomplished player there, and then accepted an assistant coaching job in the CBA. Being an assistant coach in Albany and Fort Wayne is a long par five away from running an NBA team, but he has made the storybook leap, though certainly more through hard work and persistence rather than blind fate. But still, had the calls for Europe come a few days later, almost certainly he would have turned them down for his corporate position.

Though I’ve been playing pretty well lately, I’m three-putting up a storm. One reason is, though there’s no wagering going on (Thank God), Coach quits talking when I’m facing a 30 inch putt. His competitive spirit is appreciated, but you’d think he could give a putt once in awhile. (Just Kidding.) Anyway, he and the Hawks are well known for their generosity. No quips about giving back money to season ticket holders last year coming from me. No, I’m talking about the very impressive Atlanta Hawks Foundation Golf Tournament. Since its inception, the event has raised over $1,000,000 for its various charities in only nine years. Their 10th tournament will be held Monday, September 29th, at Bear’s Best Golf Club in Suwanee. Those who would like to participate need to sign up quickly...for next year. The event has already sold out. See? Coach Stotts is already packing them in.

Coach Stotts makes a tough 6 footer to save par to start the back nine, and then drills a long 20 footer to save bogey on #11. He then makes another par and I think, “here we go again.” Well, yes, we did go again, very much like the front nine. On the next par five, he loses one out of bounds and cards another “9”. The rest of the round, he is as solid as can be. I don’t know if this is his sandbagging trick, but he scored more over par in two holes (the two 9s) then he did in the other 16. Why do I think the next time we play, he’s going to ask for shots?

I’m genuinely regretful to see such a fun round of golf end, but I’m honored Coach Stotts could find time in his hectic schedule to tee it up with me. I also know he’s anxious to get home and watch his Sooners face the Crimson Tide (Oklahoma did win). Of course, I now view the Hawks and Coach Stotts differently after my round. I read and hear about their promise and potential as a team, and I actually care. I want them to succeed, not only as a fan, but as a friend. Obviously, Coach Stotts can’t play a round of golf with 20,000 people who could fill up Philips Arena each home game, but if his team attacks, competes, and personifies the type of coach they have, I am more confident than ever that the NBA will regain some priority in our city. With names like Kobe, Damon, and Weber filling the headlines, it’s reassuring to know that there are “good guys” to cheer for in the league. Atlanta is lucky to have one leading the charge. Pay attention to the Hawks this year, they will be better than you think. I might just guarantee that myself.