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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
Lakeland's Polytechnic University lands this NBA champion as new coach
One former NBA player plans to have success both in the NBA and on the college level.
Dennis Hospson, who won an NBA championship alongside Michael Jordan, is now leading Florida Polytechnic University as its inaugural head coach of its men’s basketball program , adding a basketball savant whose career extends into the highest levels of the sport as the university continues to develop Florida Polytechnic athletics. The university announced the move last month, according to a press release.
Hopson brings his life experience as both a player and a coach, which, of course, is highlighted by an NBA championship with the 1991 Chicago Bulls – a team that won over a Lakers dynasty without Kareem Abdul Jabaar and a Magic Johnson player who was close to announcing his upheaval. Still, Hopson was a former first-round NBA draft pick who played with the New Jersey Nets , Sacramento Kings and professional teams overseas in the Philippine, Turkish, Israeli, Venezuelan and Spanish basketball leagues before transitioning into an accomplished coaching career.
Before joining this new Florida Poly sports program, Hopson coached at Lourdes University, where the Gray Wolves won nearly 100 games in five seasons, made three straight national tournament appearances and achieved a 99% student-athlete graduation rate. He also coached for the ABA’s Royal Knights, Northwood University, Bowling Green and Bedford High School.
“I think my background means a whole lot to this process and I will use it to get players to come here,” Hopson said. “I used to be them, and I know the importance of going to a school that’s in a great situation with a great location and sound academics that also has a strong basketball program.”
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Hopson said he wants Florida Poly Basketball to reflect six core values of family, integrity, balance, respect, attitude and leadership, wanting his players to learn that basketball is about much more than competition.
“School work and other things can be stressful, so we want to make this to where it’s not about the sport; it’s about what the sport can do for you,” Hopson said. “They’re going to have a lot of fun and we’re going to learn a lot of life lessons through the game of basketball because you’re going to live a lot longer than you play the game.”
Florida Poly’s athletic director, Derek Lower, said Hopson is the ideal fit for the university.
“Coach Hopson is the best person to lead us in our inaugural basketball season,” Lower said. “Dennis knows how to build winning programs that last, and his professionalism, leadership and experience make his role as a coach and mentor to student-athletes invaluable.”
Still, success starts with finding the right players, ensuring they can excel on campus before setting foot on the court, Hopson said.
“We want high-character people,” Hopson said. “We want to make sure we get people who we don’t have to worry about at night; people who can get it done in the classroom.”
Recruiting has been underway throughout the summer, and Hopson said Florida Poly’s first-ever men’s basketball team is very much close to filling out the 14-member roster.
“I want everyone to know how super excited I am to be here,” he said. “I think we’ve got something special.”
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lakeland's Polytechnic University lands this NBA champion as new coach
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