[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 186 (Thursday, December 6, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H14254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF NBA COACH AVERY JOHNSON

  (Mr. JEFFERSON asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. JEFFERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate one of 
Louisiana's favorite sons, NBA coach Avery Johnson, on the occasion of 
his receiving an honorary doctorate degree from his alma mater, 
Southern University, at its upcoming fall commencement.
  Born in New Orleans, Avery Johnson has known success at every level 
of basketball. In 1983 he led the St. Augustine High School Purple 
Knights to an undefeated season culminating with a Class 4A Louisiana 
State championship. He would go on to star on the Southern University 
Jaguars basketball team, setting NCAA Division I records for both 
season and career averages in assists that still stand today.
  In 1988, Avery Johnson began his career in the NBA, where he would 
spend 16 seasons. Once again he found success with the San Antonio 
Spurs by taking them to their first NBA title in 1999 over the New York 
Knicks.
  Presently, Avery Johnson serves as the head coach of the Dallas 
Mavericks, where his star has only continued to shine brighter. Now in 
his third full season as coach, he has led the Mavericks to their first 
Western Conference title, been named 2006 NBA Coach of the Year, and 
won 150 games faster than any other coach in NBA history.
  Through his high achievement in sports and service to the community, 
Avery Johnson continues to leave a mark on the world, of which we are 
all very proud.

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