Bucks Name Larry Krystkowiak Assistant Coach

June 22, 2006 - General Manager Larry Harris announced today that the Bucks have signed Larry Krystkowiak to a multi-year contract as an assistant coach. Krystkowiak, who spent five years of his nine-year NBA playing career with the Bucks, joins Milwaukee’s coaching staff after spending the past two years as the head coach at his alma mater, the University of Montana.

“Larry was always known as a hard-nosed player with a great work ethic and he brings that same approach to his coaching,” said Head Coach Terry Stotts. “He has an extensive knowledge of the game and his ability to work well with the players will be a great asset to this team. Our organization is excited to welcome him and his family back to Milwaukee.”

Krystkowiak, 41, led the Grizzlies to a 42-20 record during his two seasons as head coach and won back-to-back Big Sky Conference Tournaments. He also guided his Montana squad to two straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a first-round upset over favored Nevada in the 2006 NCAA Tournament. His coaching resume also includes a one-year stint as the head coach of the Idaho Stampede (CBA), where he guided his team to a franchise-best 37-16 record during the 2003-04 season. He has also spent time as an assistant coach at Norfolk Collegiate High School in Virginia (2002-03), at Old Dominion (2001-02), and at Montana (1998-2000).

Drafted by Chicago in 1986, Krystkowiak played in nine NBA seasons, including four with the Milwaukee Bucks (he spent five seasons in Milwaukee from 1987-92, but was injured during the 1990-91 season). He averaged 9.8 points and 6.0 rebounds in 225 career games with Milwaukee. He also played for San Antonio, Utah, Orlando, Chicago and the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 8.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 420 career NBA games.

“From an NBA perspective, Milwaukee is very dear to my heart,” said Krystkowiak. “I spent half of my time as a player here. It was the first place that gave me a chance to develop as a player and now I’m being given the same chance as a coach. I’m very appreciative to Terry for giving me an opportunity to join the staff, and also to Larry Harris and Senator Kohl. They’re giving me an opportunity to come back to a city I really love.”

Krystkowiak remains Montana’s all-time leader in points (2,017) and rebounds (1,105) after playing four years for the Grizzlies from 1982-86. In 1989, he became the only player in men’s basketball history at Montana to have his number (42) retired.

He comes to Milwaukee with his wife, Jan, who played college basketball at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 1987-90, and their three sons: Cameron (7), Luc (5) and Ben (4).