Josh Pastner Doesn't Want Assistant Coaches That Play Golf

Josh Pastner is the new coach at Georgia Tech, and he is in the process of filling out his staff. He is looking for a candidate with a good basketball mind, a proven ability to recruit and a strong work ethic.

Oh, and no golfers. He doesn’t want any assistants who play golf.

"“My first question to anyone I (might) hire is, ‘Do you golf?'” Pastner told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “If they say, ‘Yes,’ you can’t work for me, because that means five hours on a Sunday or on a Saturday. Can’t. Don’t want it. That’s for my assistant coaches. Any of my assistant coaches, if they’re golfers, not working for me.” "

This is maniacal. Many, many college basketball coaches play golf. Even head coaches, even head coaches who have won national championships and lead blueblood programs. North Carolina’s Roy Williams and Kansas’ Bill Self are both avid golfers. Michael Jordan was a big golfer, even during his playing career. Golf is relaxing and competitive, it strengthens poise and mental toughness, and if you do it right it’s a great way to bond with friends. Business leaders play golf. Presidents play golf. Golf is good.

The context of the quote was a story about Pastner’s own personal work ethic, which doesn’t allow room for much of anything that isn’t directly related to winning basketball games. He skipped his high school prom to get some shots up at the gym.

There is only one exception to his golf rule.

"“I know there are going to be some fund-raising (golf events) you’ve got to drive around, but I couldn’t handle five hours,” he said. “I couldn’t handle it and I wouldn’t want my staff to do it, either.”"

Josh Pastner is a maniac.