ATLANTA, GA (June 13, 2007) - The Atlanta Krunk announce the signing of former NBA All Star Kenny Anderson to be Head Coach and part owner of the Continental Basketball Association franchise.
"My partner, Freedom Williams knew Kenny from back in the day, so when I heard Kenny on the Two Live Stews sports talk radio show expressing his desire to get into coaching, I thought he'd be perfect for our organization. I immediately got on the phone with Freedom who initiated contacting Kenny", said team President and acting GM, Gold Record producing Spyder D Hughes, a pioneering Hip-Hop producer/artist.
Grammy and multiple American Music Award winner, and former C&C MusicFactory lead vocalist Freedom Williams, who is the Krunk franchise majority owner says, "Kenny Anderson (whom I dub king of the crossover), is a true basketball authority. His love of the game and practice ethics are legendary. He has already made incredible choices for assistant coaches, and his off the court acumen, in my estimation is second to none. We are very excited about Kenny's inclusion into our basketball universe. The Atlanta community is receiving home one of its prodigal sons and we are expecting a fantastic basketball season. It will be a time of great sport and entertainment for all."
Anderson, who enjoyed a brilliant record setting prep school career at basketball powerhouse Archbishop Molloy in Queens, NY, then went on to star at Georgia Tech, in Atlanta, where he was part of "Lethal Weapon 3", (the trio of Anderson, Dennis Scott, and Brian Oliver), who surprised the college basketball world with a Final Four appearance in Anderson's freshman season. It was Anderson's buzzer beater in regulation that sent their sweet sixteen contest into overtime, a game they eventually won, propelling them into the Elite Eight. They lost to eventual NCAA Champion UNLV in the Final Four. After averaging 26 points per game as a sophomore, Anderson declared for the NBA draft, and was selected as the second overall pick by the New Jersey Nets in the 1991 NBA draft. By 1993, the New York playground and high school legend had lived up to all promise and expectations by becoming an NBA All Star. Unfortunately, during a playoff game against the cross town rival NY Knicks, Anderson suffered a broken wrist in a controversial play with Knick fan favorite John Starks. Anderson returned to form, and eventually became the floor leader of the storied Boston Celtics franchise before retiring in 2005 after a brief stint with the Atlanta Hawks.
An elated Kenny Anderson stated, "I am very excited about being a part of the CBA organization. Becoming a coach after playing in the NBA has been a goal of mine that I dreamed about fulfilling for many years. Being the Head Coach for the CBAs first team in Atlanta, the Atlanta Krunk , is a great opportunity. Many great coaches started their career with the CBA, such as, Phil Jackson, George Karl, and Flip Saunders. I feel that coming back to the city where I was a college star at Georgia Tech to coach, is a blessing. Not only am I coming back to the city, I am also bringing on board as assistant coach, my mentor and close friend Vincent Smith. Vincent smith, taught me my work ethic, and has many years of experience. Also, on my staff I am bringing on Lamont Moreno, as Trainer/Assistant, who has many years of experience and much knowledge of the game. I look forward to the challenge that lies ahead. I will work hard and will be fully committed to the CBAs Atlanta Krunk being a success."
The CBA will begin it's sixty first season in 2007 and the NBA Finals boasts both players and coaches that are CBA alum, including San Antonio's Bruce Bowen and Jackie Butler (Chip Engelland and Don Newman - Coaches), and from Cleveland, Damon Jones, David Wesley, Ira Newble (Chris Jent and Kenny Natt - coaches).