To Bill Battle, Avery Johnson’s hire proves ‘timing is the key to everything’

Battle’s first contact with Avery Johnson came last Thursday — one day after Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall, the candidate Battle had spent weeks courting, informed Alabama’s athletic director that he had decided to stay with the Shockers.

Full Avery Johnson Press Conference Watch the full press conference introducing Avery Johnson as the new head coach of Alabama basketball.

Battle re-examined Johnson’s resume and received “glowing reviews” of Johnson from multiple trusted confidants.

Days later, Battle and Johnson came to terms on a deal that made Johnson the Tide’s new basketball coach.