ATLANTA — Damon Stoudamire managed to get one word out — “Wow!” — before he was overcome with emotion.
The former longtime NBA guard is thrilled to be back in the college basketball ranks, heading a men’s program that he thinks can once again be an Atlantic Coast Conference and national title contender.
Then again, Stoudamire is not the first coach at Georgia Tech to express such optimism.
Stoudamire was formally introduced as the Yellow Jackets’ coach Tuesday, capping a whirlwind search that took only three days after Josh Pastner was fired after another losing season.
“This has been a long journey for me,” Stoudamire said, choking back tears. “I’m excited beyond belief to be here.”