Memphis, Tennessee, April 30, 2002 - The Grizzlies announced
that Gary Colson, one of the most successful coaches in NCAA Division I
history with more than 500 career wins, will join the Memphis Grizzlies
as
Assistant to the President of Basketball Operations for the Grizzlies.
In
his new role, Colson will assist West in leading the team's basketball
operations.
"Gary has been involved in coaching at so many different levels, and he
has
built winners. Plus, I have admired how he has been a successful coach
and
most recently, as successful administrator in basketball operations,"
said
West. "Personally, I have been close to him for years; and he truly
loves
the game of basketball. You want someone who you count on through
thick and
thin, and Gary will be there for this franchise and me."
As a head coach for over 34 seasons, Colson compiled a record of
563-385 at
Valdosta State from 1959-68, Pepperdine from 1969-79, New Mexico from
1981-88 and Fresno State from 1991-95. Colson's 563 coaching wins
ranks him
34th all-time in Division I history. His best season came in 1984 when
New
Mexico posted a 24-11 record and in 1994 when Fresno State finished
21-11.
In eight seasons at New Mexico, Colson earned Western Athletic
Conference
Coach of the Year honors in 1984, had five players drafted to the NBA
during
his tenure including Dennis Johnson and Luc Longley and left the
program as
the second-winningest coach in school history.
"Well, it took me about 42 years as a coach and administrator to
finally
join the NBA," said Colson with a laugh. "I am really excited about
this
opportunity to join the Grizzlies and work closely with Jerry. Not to
add
any pressure, but I have a feeling that we're going to win. I don't
know
when but it will happen."
Colson, 68, began his coaching career in Tennessee as an assistant
coach at
David Lipscomb College in Nashville from 1956-57 before being head
coach at
Valdosta (Georgia) State in 1958, a position he held until 1968. In
his 10
seasons as head coach at Valdosta State, he compiled a record of
188-69.
His best season came in 1962, when the team posted an impressive 19-2
record. During his tenure, Valdosta State won eight consecutive
Georgia
Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships (1961-1968).
Colson moved on to serve as the head coach at Pepperdine for 11 seasons
(1969-79). He compiled a record of 153-137, and a pair of first round
wins
in the NCAA Tournament in 1976 and '79. He was named West Coast
Conference
Coach of the Year in 1976 and '79. From 1971-75, he also served as
Pepperdine's Athletic Director. Then he compiled a record of 146-106
at New
Mexico from 1981-88. Colson spent two seasons as an assistant coach at
the
University of California at Berkeley from 1989-90 before being hired as
head
coach at Fresno State in 1991.
Most recently, Colson has served as the Associate Director of Athletics
at
the University of California at Santa Barbara for the last six years.
He
has also written two books, "California Basketball" and "New Mexico
Basketball - The System," covering fundamentals of the game. A former
member of two NCAA committees (rules and officiating), Colson helped
effectively lobby to bring the three-point shot to college basketball
in
1986.
Born April 30, 1934 in Logansport, Ind., Colson graduated from Dasher
(Ga.)
Bible High School in 1952. He went on to David Lipscomb College, where
he
was a Dean's List student as a senior. He earned a Bachelor of Science
degree in physical education in 1956. While at David Lipscomb, Colson
was a
two-time all-conference selection in basketball. As a senior, he was
named
the conference's Most Valuable Player.
He is married to the former Mary Katherine Moulten. Gary has three
adult
children, two sons, Rick and Wade and a daughter, Garianne, from a
previous
marriage.
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