George Karl

Few coaching stories are as interesting and exciting as George Karl's rise to the top of the NBA coaching ranks. As an All-American basketball star under legendary Dean Smith at the University of North Carolina, Karl was destined for greatness. His unique path to his most recent head coaching job of the Seattle SuperSonics was a wild, roundabout ride that included stints in Montana, Albany, Spain, as well as Cleveland and Golden State of the NBA.

From 1973-1978, George Karl spent 5 years in the NBA for the San Antonio Spurs.  After finishing his playing career in 1978, Karl's coaching career began its roller coaster journey.

After a short stint coaching with the Spurs, Karl was named head coach of the Montana Golden Nuggets of the Continental Basketball Association -- considered by many to be one of the most undesirable coaching positions available.  However, Karl turned negative into positive, becoming the 1981 Coach of the Year, leaving the CBA a few years later with the best winning percentage in the league's history.  Karl then moved to the NBA, where as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers and later, Golden State Warriors,  he guided historically losing franchises to the playoffs in his first season.  Karl, returning to the not so glamorous CBA as head coach of the Albany Patroons, then left for two years in Europe, to lead a Spanish league team.

In 1991, Karl became head coach of the Seattle Supersonics, turning around a mediocre franchise to become one of the most powerful teams in the league.  Since becoming head coach, Karl has lead the Sonics to the playoffs every year, including Pacific Division and Western Division Titles, as well as a trip to the 1995-96 NBA Finals.

Provocative and Unconventional, but always Successful...
No matter where George Karl played or coached, his approach to the game has never been the straight and narrow.  As a result of his diverse coaching stops in the NBA, CBA, and Europe, Karl's style in teaching motivation and teamwork has had to be very creative.  This creativity has been most evident with Karl's position with the SuperSonics, where his seemingly non-traditional methods were always scrutinized and criticized by the press and fans.  Yet one thing remains a constant -- he continued to win season after season.

Although his methods may be under fire, Karl has been praised by some of the toughest critics -- the media -- as one of the most quotable individuals in the NBA.  More importantly, top players such as Dream Teamers and All-Stars Gary Payton and Charles Barkley praise Karl's unique style, leadership, and strive for excellence.

The George Karl Presentation...
As one of the top coaches in the incredibly popular NBA, George Karl is one of the most sought after speakers from professional basketball.  Karl's successful experiences as player, coach, and in management will offer your attendees his unique and unconventional motivational tips on how to be a winner in business and life.  Furthermore, his insight into today's NBA, including entertaining stories and no holds barred criticism of the league will be certain to make news at your next meeting.  Most importantly, your attendees will quickly connect with Coach Karl's easygoing, engaging style and personality.