ALAMEDA, Calif., September 13, 2024 – The College of Alameda (CoA) is thrilled to confirm the appointment of NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton as the new men’s basketball head coach. Payton’s storied career and commitment to excellence make him an ideal fit to lead the Cougars basketball program. The appointment was announced on September 11th by CoA President Melanie Dixon at the regular meeting of the Peralta Community College District Board of Trustees, the governing body of the East Bay district that includes College of Alameda.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Gary Payton to the College of Alameda family,” said President Melanie Dixon. “His vast experience and passion for the game will undoubtedly inspire our student-athletes to reach new heights both on and off the court.”
College of Alameda Athletics Director Ramaundo Vaughn expressed his enthusiasm for Payton’s arrival. “Gary Payton is a proven winner, and his presence will elevate our men’s basketball program to new heights. We are excited to see what he can accomplish with our talented student-athletes.”
Payton, a nine-time NBA All-Star and 1996 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the Cougars program. His NBA career lasted 17 seasons. Most recently, Payton coached a professional 3-on-3 team to the BIG3 league championship, demonstrating his continued ability to lead and inspire athletes to success.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to coach at the College of Alameda here in the East Bay,” said Payton. “I look forward to working with the talented student-athletes and building a championship-caliber program.”
Press Conference
A press conference with Coach Gary Payton will be held at the College of Alameda gym on Thursday, September 19th at 11am. Media organizations wishing to attend are asked to RSVP with Mark Johnson at markjohnson@peralta.edu.
About Gary Payton
Gary Payton is a former NBA point guard who played 17 seasons in the league. He was a nine-time NBA All-Star, a six-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection, and the 1996 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Payton won an NBA championship in 2006 with the Miami Heat and is also a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was the professional 3-on-3 basketball BIG3 Coach of the Year in 2024.