Perry Watson is one of the most accomplished and well-respected coaches in the Detroit area for his work over three decades at Southwestern High School and the University of Detroit Mercy.
But one memory that will always stick with him is temporarily playing the role of academic advisor for one of his old players.
During the summer of 2002, Willie Green was heading into his senior season after three straight years as a starter at Detroit Mercy. He met up with his coach after a class to get some advice. Green wanted to map out what he could do during the offseason to improve his game.
Watson had other plans.
The veteran coach knew Green — who was announced as the new head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday — was on the verge of completing his English degree and advised him to seek out student-teacher opportunities at the school while he was still around.
“I told him he could start preparing himself to be a teacher once he graduated,” the former Detroit Mercy coach recalled. “He looked at me like I was speaking a different language.”
Green was still focused on living out his NBA dreams. He figured a strong showing during his senior season would give him a shot at making it happen. Watson responded by giving him what he thought at the time was the harsh truth.
“I told him, ‘Willie I coached Jalen Rose, Voshon Leonard, Howard Eisley. I get to see pros come down here every year and compete in summer workouts,’” he said. “Don’t you think I know what a pro looks like?”
The Detroit Mercy coach thought he was telling his point guard what he needed to hear. The words stung Green to his core, and they rang through his head for days. Ultimately, they provided the exact kind of motivation he needed.
His work ethic ascended to a different level during those summer months.
