Phil Pressey joining Boston Celtics coaching staff
Phil Pressey kicked off his coaching career by returning to his alma mater of Missouri as a graduate assistant for the Tigers in Dennis Gates’ first season in Columbia. Now, the former collegiate guard and pro is taking his talents back to the NBA.
According to a report from the Boston Globe by Adam Himmelsbach, Pressey is returning to the Boston Celtics franchise as a member of Joe Mazzulla’s staff. He is the latest addition to Boston’s bench based on what else Himmelsbach had to add.
“Former Celtics guard Phil Pressey is joining coach Joe Mazzulla’s staff, according to a league source,” wrote Himmelsbach.
“The source said the Celtics are planning to add one or two more behind-the-bench coaches to Mazzulla’s staff in the coming weeks,” Himmelsbach continued. “The Celtics filled their top two assistant slots earlier this month by hiring Bucks associate head coach Charles Lee and 76ers assistant Sam Cassell.”
At Mizzou, Pressey averaged 9.7 points, 5.9 assists, three rebounds, and two steals per game in 99 games as a Tiger. That led the program to 76 wins with three straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament. In total, he left Columbia as an Honorable Mention All-American and All-SEC First Team selection as well as the school’s all-time leader in assists.
From there, Pressey eventually went undrafted in the 2013 NBA Draft. He then landed with the Celtics and spent two seasons with them from 2013-2015. In his 125 games with the franchise, he averaged 3.1 points and 2.9 assists in 13.9 minutes per game.
After that, he lasted for 23 more games in the NBA with Philadelphia and Phoenix before continuing his career overseas.
Then, last offseason, he joined Gates’ staff after announcing his retirement. In his lone season back at Missouri, the Tigers went 25-10 and made the NCAA Tournament.
One of the biggest complaints about Mazzula’s staff last season was the lack of experience. Based on the latest moves by the franchise, that seems well on its way to being rectified with Pressey as the latest solution and addition for the Celtics.
Connor Vanover commits to Missouri
Former Oral Roberts center Connor Vanover has committed to Missouri and head coach Dennis Gates, he told On3.
The 7-foot-3 graduate transfer averaged 12.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game this season for the Golden Eagles. Vanover began his college career at Cal before transferring to Arkansas for two seasons.
Vanover broke down his decision to choose Mizzou with On3.
“I chose Missouri because of fit and style of play. They have one of the top offenses in America and I am excited to be a part of what Coach Gates is building in Columbia. I loved my visit meeting and spending time with staff. I feel my unique skill set can help compliment many areas.”
Vanover, a native of Little Rock, Arkansas contributes much of the reason of his choosing Missouri to Tigers’ assistant David Nutt, along with head coach Dennis Gates.
“Coach Nutt and I had a good connection from our first phone call with his ties with Little Rock. Coach Gates is one of the hottest coaches in America. I believe they can help me reach more of my potential than I have before.”