NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Tree Rollins Named Head Coach of the Greenville Groove

July 11, 2002 - NBA G League (G League)
Greenville Groove News Release


GREENVILLE, S.C., July 11, 2002 – Tree Rollins, who played 18 seasons in the NBA and has served as an NBA assistant coach for the past nine years, has been named head coach of the Greenville Groove, NBDL Executive Director Karl Hicks announced today.

“Tree’s experiences, proven track record of developing talent and connection to the Upstate make him a perfect fit for this head coaching position,” said Hicks.

Rollins played in 1,156 games during his professional career averaging 5.4 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game with five NBA teams (Atlanta 1977-78 – 1987-88; Cleveland 1988-89 – 1989-90; Detroit 1990-91; Houston 1991-92 – 1992-93; and Orlando 1993-94 – 1994-95). During his final two NBA seasons with Orlando, Rollins served as a player/coach averaging 1.4 ppg and 2.0 rpg over 96 games while helping with the all-around development of other players. Rollins joined the Magic as a full-time assistant coach in 1996. He has also worked as an assistant coach with the Washington Wizards (1999-2000) and the Indiana Pacers (2000-01 – 2001-02).

Rollins, who was recently inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame for his success on the court at Clemson University, succeeds Milton Barnes, who led the club to the inaugural NBDL Championship and then returned to the world-renowned Harlem Globetrotters as head coach and vice president of basketball operations.

Rollins, who was a member of the NBAÂ’s 1994 Eastern Conference Champion Orlando Magic, worked closely with second-year pro Shaquille OÂ’Neal and rookie Penny Hardaway as they led their team to the NBA Finals. He has also worked with Darrell Armstrong, who was named the NBAÂ’s Sixth Man of the Year and the leagueÂ’s Most Improved Player in 1999, and Jermaine OÂ’Neal who was named Most Improved Player in 2002.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to return to my basketball roots and continue to help players, and Coach Ready, reach their full potential,” said Rollins.

Rollins was selected in the first round (14th overall pick) of the 1977 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks after averaging 14.1 ppg and 12.8 rpg over a four-year collegiate career at Clemson University. During his 18-year professional career, Rollins amassed 2,542 blocks, which currently ranks in the Top 10 in league annals. In each of his first nine seasons, Rollins ranked among the top 10 shot blockers in the NBA, and led the league with 343 blocks in 1981-82. Rollins earned First Team All-Defensive honors in 1983-84 and Second Team honors in 1982-83.

“I have followed Tree's career with great interest, and have gained a strong respect for his work ethic and professionalism,” said Carl Scheer, Chairman of the Groove. “He has made strong contributions to the game as a player and coach. We are very pleased to have Tree back home where his basketball career began.” Tree Rollins, Greenville Groove Head Coach – Page Two

On May 14, 2002, ScheerSports, Inc. was named the management company for business operations of the Greenville Groove. Additionally, Carl Scheer, a former NBA executive and current Chairman and CEO of ScheerSports, Inc., has been named Chairman of the Greenville Groove. Scheer, the majority owner of the Greenville Grrrowl (East Coast Hockey League) and the Carolina Rhinos (arenafootball2), will manage the GrooveÂ’s day-to-day business operations including marketing, ticket sales, sponsorships, promotions, community relations and communications.

• Discuss this story on the NBA G League message board...

NBA G League Stories from July 11, 2002


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central