Coach George Karl Becomes a Stampede Owner

September 27, 2004 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
Idaho Stampede News Release


BOISE, ID- September 27, 2004- Three-time CBA Coach of the Year, and the NBA's 15th all-time most winning coach, George Karl, has joined the Idaho Stampede's ownership group. The announcement took place earlier today in Boise at a news conference.

"We are delighted to have George join our ownership team," said Idaho Stampede Managing Partner Bill Ilett. "Our ownership group has kept one share available since the team's inception for a dynamic and charismatic individual. We believe George's enthusiasm, passion for basketball, and community involvement efforts are a perfect fit to our group and the Idaho Stampede organization."

Karl will join Ilett and 10 other local Treasure Valley business leaders as part of the Stampede's ownership group. The ownership group now includes George Karl, Bill Ilett, Alan Bermensolo, Kipp Bedard, Greg Luce, Gary Michael, Skip Smyser, Steve Stout, Jim Tomlinson, Kim Trout, Scott Peyron and John Brunelle.

"I'm always looking for an adventure, and this opportunity has provided me the chance to be back in the CBA and where my career first began," said George Karl. "The CBA gave me the experience, discipline and preparation for a successful career, and in turn, I hope to provide what I've learned back to the Stampede organization, its coaching staff and players."

Karl has spent 16 seasons in the NBA and has established himself as one of the sport's most successful coaches. During his 16-year tenure in the NBA, Karl has coached the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Seattle Supersonics and Milwaukee Bucks. He is 15th on the NBA's all-time win list with a 708-499 (.587) record.

The Penn Hills, Pennsylvania native is only the 20th coach in NBA history to coach over 1,000 games and 17th coach to win 600 games, all doing this in fewer games than all but five coaches (Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, Red Auerbauch, Jerry Sloan and Don Nelson) in league history. Karl was also named a 1994 and 1996 NBA All-Star Game Head Coach.

Between NBA coaching assignments, Karl has spent time in the Continental Basketball Association as a head coach for the Montana Golden Nuggets and Albany Patroons. During the 1990-91 season, Karl and his Patroons finished the season with a CBA league record 50-6 mark, including a perfect 28-0 home record. Karl currently holds the highest winning percentage in CBA history 176-66 (.727) in five season, was named the 1981, 1983 and 1991 CBA Coach of the Year, and was a head coach for the 1989 and 1991 CBA All-Star Game.

"It's a great pleasure to welcome back to the CBA a coaching legend such as George Karl," said CBA Commissioner Gary Hunter. "He brings to the table a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion for the game that will be tremendous for the CBA and the Idaho Stampede franchise."

Karl began his basketball career as a player for the University of North Carolina, where he played under legendary Tar Heel head coach Dean Smith. Karl helped lead the Tar Heels to a 1972 NCAA Final Four appearance and the 1971 NIT title. In 1973, Karl was a fourth round selection of the New York Knicks in the NBA draft. During his five- season professional career, Karl played in over 264 games averaging 6.5 points and 3.0 assists.

"George is a phenomenal mentor, and he gave me a great opportunity a few years ago to be a volunteer coach with the Milwaukee Bucks," said fellow Tar Heel alum and Idaho Stampede Head Coach Joe Wolf. "He has a good basketball mind and I look forward to his advice as I begin preparation for the upcoming season."

Karl participates in numerous charity golf events nationwide each year. His "Friends of Hoop" foundation assists high school athletes in Milwaukee and Seattle, by providing them the skills and knowledge for obtaining college scholarships. The foundation also conducts an annual basketball camp each summer. Coach Karl has two children, a daughter Kelci, and a son Coby, a Boise State University basketball student athlete.

The Stampede begins their seventh season on the road November 19 and 20, against the Yakima Sun Kings and returns on Friday, November 26, for a three-game homestand to tip-off against the Great Lakes Storm at 7:10 p.m. for their home season opener. Individuals and businesses interested in purchasing season tickets or want to learn more about the upcoming season, may contact the Idaho Stampede office at (208) 388-HOOP (4667).



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