The Official Site of TJ Ford

Wed, Jul 16th 2008, 14:04

TJ introduced in Indiana

TJ was introduced to the Indiana media in a press conference welcoming him, Jarrett Jack, Maceo Baston, and Josh McRoberts to the Pacer’s organization.

“I’m just excited,” said TJ. “This is a change for all of us and I think we all want to be apart of the change; the change and the views of Indiana Pacers basketball. We want to continue to get the fans back in the building. I think the staff that we have here is probably one of the best staffs that I’ve been apart of since I’ve been in the NBA. Having a coach who definitely brought everyone into the office and told everyone basically what he expects out of everyone. I just want to give my best effort every night and every day in practice, come to work and definitely surprise a lot of people in the NBA. (We want) to show them that Indiana Pacers basketball is back.”

Pacer’s coach Jim O’Brien was also excited, and spoke of what it will mean to have TJ running his team.

“Well, I think in sitting down with T.J. and Jarrett individually after we traded for them and talked to them at length – I think because they’re at the quarterback spot, they have a tremendous responsibility to be an extension of the coaching staff on the court.” O’Brien said. “Both of them, separately, said ‘You have no worries about my ability – meaning their ability – to communicate loudly what needs to be done on the basketball court in practice and in the games.’ Frankly, that’s what every coach looks for. I think last year guys got tired of listening to my voice. We had a weakness in that people did not want to own their own team. I think the people up here in talking with them; they understand that a good team is one that is owned by the players.”

Press conference video