New Kennesaw State men’s basketball head coach Antoine Pettway made his first appearance at a press conference since his hiring on April 7.
“I realize how fortunate I am to be in this position,” Pettway said. “I cherish this opportunity and I’m going to do everything in my power to push this program forward to new heights I’m truly grateful for your belief and your commitment.”
Pettway also took some time in the press conference to show some gratitude and respect to former Kennesaw State, and now USF head coach Amir Adbum-Rahim.
“There are a lot of people that I would like to acknowledge for being instrumental in my journey to Kennesaw State but I’ll be remiss if I did not first recognize coach Amir,” Pettway said. “Coach, thank you. I thank the University and this men’s basketball program. Thank you for all the effort you put into this program you laid the foundation to show the world what Kennesaw State basketball can accomplish.”
With that being said, Coach Pettway knows that there are a lot of expectations for him and his team. With Kennesaw State not only coming off of its first March Madness appearance but also its first ASUN Conference championship, KSU’s expectations are going to be high going forward.
Pettway has been embracing the high expectations as he’s definitely not new to being a part of a winning culture. Pettway previously worked on the coaching staff at Alabama for the last 15 years.
Alabama is coming off of multiple NCAA March Madness tournament appearances in the last two out of three years. Not only that, but they have been the number 1 and 2 seed in those two out of three years. Pettway has a vision for his team and KSU.
“I have been asked about my vision for Kennesaw State men’s basketball and my vision is simple, I want to create Champions on and off the court,” Pettway explained. “I want to create young men but that’s going to have great character and when they leave Kennesaw State, they’re ready to go into their community and become productive citizens from a basketball standpoint.”
“I’m not going to be one to stand up here and make a bunch of promises, but one thing I can promise you guys that we’re going to play harder,” Pettway expressed. We’re going to compete every time we put that jersey on. I want to put a pro a product out there.” Pettway stated in the press conference.
With three players transferring, including former Lou Henson Player of the Year Chris Youngblood, and ASUN Defensive Player of the Year, Brandon Stroud, Kennesaw looks to land a few transfers.
“I think you have got to get young guys, you know, freshmen,” Pettway said. “You have go get two or three transfer guys out of the portal.”
“Get guys with some experience that’s been in college a little bit, that’s going through practice, have went on road trips, going to class. I also think you have to get freshmen that you can bring in and you can develop.” Pettway said.
With Pettway being a part of a winning culture in Alabama, he looks to build a championship culture instantly as he takes over KSU as the Owls season is just months away.
