We recently saw Gary Payton in his favorite role of “trashtalker” coach during the summer BIG3, a 3×3 championship created by rapper Ice Cube, going so far as to come to blows with Jordan Crawford.
Led by Gerald and Garlon Green, his team “Bivouac” won the title this season, also highlighting his leadership qualities, since he was elected coach of the year, in a league of which he has become an essential face, present since its creation in 2017.
Three weeks later, we learn that “The Glove” will be returning to work as a coach. Originally from Oakland, he had found a place at Lincoln University (NAIA) for three years, but as the organization is plagued by financial problems, Gary Payton will finally bounce back not far from there, on the neighboring island of Alameda to coach the College of Alameda Cougars (Bay Valley Conference).
A coach and an educator
The university's athletic director, Ramaundo Vaughn, justified his choice by highlighting Gary Payton's state of mind on the extra-basketball level, since the idea is to train players but also men.
“Gary Payton is the right choice for the College of Alameda for a number of reasons. Gary has always been a leader and a winner. We know Coach Payton will empower our players on the court, in the classroom and in the community. During the interview, he spoke about the need for our student-athletes to be involved in the community. The energy and passion he brings, along with his genuine love for the East Bay, is unmatched. The opportunity for our players to learn from one of the greatest NBA players of all time and an Olympic gold medalist is an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.”
So everyone gets something out of it, since Alameda gets a big name in the basketball world, while Gary Payton will have another opportunity to show his leadership skills in the locker room. He will replace Ravi Bhambhra on the bench, who finished last season with a record of 7 wins for 21 losses.
