Avery Johnson - I'm passionate about coaching and being able to mentor young men in a lot o

I'm passionate about coaching and being able to mentor young men in a lot of different ways. I think it's good to be able to do what you love to do. It's been in me since the beginning. I was telling my college coach what to do and he trusted me. When I got into the NBA, I started having conversations with coaches. Coach Gregg Popp(avich) brought a lot out in me. Coach Don Nelson gave me an incredible opportunity to spend some time with him and he molded me but at the same time allowed me to be myself.

- Avery Johnson

source: "A conversation with New Jersey Nets head coach Avery Johnson". Interview with Chad Bonham, www.beliefnet.com.