Mike Boynton’s Opening Statement Is Worth a Re-Watch

Mike Boynton’s first press conference as the Oklahoma State men’s basketball coach was really strong, but nothing was quite as good as his opener. Boynton, who said later he never cries, was overwhelmed by the moment to the point that he couldn’t even speak.

“This is a pretty unbelievable day in a lot of ways,” said Boynton. “I’m 35 years old. I really did think I would be a head coach. I had no idea I would be the head coach at Oklahoma State University.

“Thank you. Thank you. There are a lot of people who get credit for me standing here today: President (Burns) Hargis, Mr. (Mike Holder) for giving me this appointment, the Board (of Regents), thank you guys. The City of Brooklyn that raised me, all of my friends I grew up with, my dad, my mom, my sisters. I didn’t have a brother, but I’ve always had brothers.”

ICYMI: Here’s most of Mike Boynton’s emotional opening statement during his #OKState introductory press conference. pic.twitter.com/7ibpcNyj5R

— Nate Feken (@TheGreat_Nate) March 28, 2017

The man may or may not be able to coach hoops, but he’s at least earned some goodwill from the Oklahoma State fans. Everybody loves an underdog, and nobody is more of an underdog than a 35-year-old first-time coach in a league with Bill Self and Bob Huggins. But hey, it worked out for his former boss.

Awesome work by @MattNorlander on how Frank Martin went from coaching high school JV to coaching in the Final Four. https://t.co/TDECmi2v4D

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) March 28, 2017

“This is about people and real relationships, trust, respect, hard work,” said Boynton. “That’s all I know. That’s it. We succeed together with your help. We support one another, we push each other to our goals, we challenge each other to be better. There’s a great opportunity here today and thanks to Brad (Underwood). He is part of the reason this is happening.

“This is about these guys, every one of them. They know that I care about them and I love them, they know that I will push them as hard as I can to make them better and they respect that about me. They let me coach them hard because they know that I care. Ten at night, six in the morning, they can call me for anything. Really, that’s how we got here. This isn’t about X’s and O’s, what plays I know. I know people. This is about building men; 18, 17 sometimes, to 23 and 24, and making a positive difference during that time.”

It is about that, for sure, but it’s also about getting wins which is something Boynton must do to keep the momentum rolling in Stillwater after receiving two thumbs up on his first presser.