Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Ex-Warrior Gets College Coaching Post

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- Former Indian Hills Community College basketball standout Johnny Taylor has been added to the coaching staff at Tennessee-Chattanooga.  Taylor played one season at IHCC after transferring from Knoxville (Tenn.) College and then two seasons at Chattanooga before embarking on a long professional career.

A native of Chattanooga, Taylor is 26 hours short of completing his degree in Criminal Justiec at his alma mater, where he played for the most successful team in school history.  He will be a student assistant coach during the upcoming season.

"It's an amazing opportunity," Taylor said.  "I am excited beyond words and very thankful to be able to finish my degree and get my foot in the door in the coaching profession."

Taylor was at Indian Hills for the 1994-95 campaign and became eligible to play for the Warriors at mid-season.  He averaged 19.3 points and 8.0 rebounds over the final 19 games and helped lead IHCC to a 31-3 record and to within one game of a trip to the national tournament.  He had nine games of 20 or more points, including six in a row.

From Indian Hills, Taylor went back to his hometown and he starred for the 1997 UTC squad that made the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament with Taylor leading the Mocs in scoring his senior year.

Chosen by Orlando as the 17th pick in the 1997 NBA Draft, Taylor played four seasons in the NBA and then 11 more seasons overseas with stints in countries such as Italy, Spain and Russia.