The New York Knicks are preparing to make Billy Lange their new head coach. He possesses experience from the collegiate and professional basketball landscapes. Lange, who recently served as the head coach of Saint Joseph’s University, is expected to bring his extensive experience to the Knicks’ coaching staff as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.
Billy Lange is a nationally recognized leader in basketball coaching. From 2014-20, he made a lasting impression as an assistant coach with the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers. His time in the NBA has provided him the perspective. He accomplished that feat at Saint Joseph’s and had the experience of doing so the first time around to draw on. In 2019, he ascended to the university’s head coaching position, replacing Phil Martelli.
In his 6 seasons with the Hawks, Lange had an 81-104 record. While these figures might seem underwhelming, those stats don’t reflect the complete tide he turned in this time around 2018. Lange’s final two seasons at Saint Joseph’s were remarkable. He led the program to more than 20 wins in all of those seasons. That success placed him on the perfect foundation as he entered his seventh season at the helm of the program.
Even with his lackluster overall record at Saint Joseph’s, Lange proved he could do more than just coach players, he could create an atmosphere where they competed. His vision and energy restored the luster to the team and established a foundation for long-term success. This talented class’s record-setting accomplishment surely didn’t escape the notice of NBA franchises.
It was a significant move when the Knicks took the courageous step to hire Lange. This decision underscores their commitment to continue to strengthen their coaching staff with experienced coaches who have a proven track record in player development. The Knicks have been through a transformative process over the last few years, looking to make a shift from perennial doormats to contenders in a tough Eastern Conference. To that end, they’ve hired Lange as their first-ever coaching consultant. Their hope is that they can maximize his skills and knowledge gained from the collegiate and professional aspects of the game.
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