Stillman
names Leon Douglas head men's basketball coach
May 5, 2004
TUSCALOOSA - In a press conference today, Stillman College officially announced
it has hired legendary Leighton, Alabama native and former NBA player, Leon
Douglas, to lead the school's men's basketball program.
Leon Douglas
"This is a new day for Stillman and our basketball program," said
Dr. Ernest McNealey, president of Stillman College. "Coach Douglas understands
the history, uniqueness and excitement of the program and brings thirty years
of
experience to this program. You can't top that when it comes to finding a coach
that can motivate and turn things around." McNealey said.
Douglas has had a stellar career. He is a four-time All-SEC selection, the
first Alabama player to achieve this distinction. He played in the NBA for
seven years, where he was first round NBA draft pick, fourth overall, for the
Detroit Pistons from 1976-80, then later for the Kansas City Kings.
"My emphasis is on student athletes to assist and help them grow both
athletically and academically," said Douglas. "People
can expect our basketball program to be high scoring and fast paced. There
is a rich tradition at this school and I look forward to connecting with the
players, staff and the community," Douglas said.
"I made a commitment to Alabama and I am here to reestablish my roots.
I have been all over the world for thirty years and now I'm back," Douglas
responded on why he came back to his home state.
Douglas played for the Alabama Crimson Tide where he served as team captain
in 1975-1976. His active career allowed him to be selected as a member of the
Intercontinental Cup Team and selected SEC Player of the Year in 1975 and 1976.
He also continued expanding his career in the Italian Basketball League for
eight years. Before accepting the head coaching position at Stillman, Douglas
was employed by Oakland Intermediate School District in Bloomfield, Michigan.
