Keady to consider Raptors' offer
By CLIFF BRUNT, Associated Press Writer
November 21, 2005
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Former Purdue basketball coach Gene Keady is considering coming out of retirement after being offered a position with the Toronto Raptors.
Keady, who went 512-270 in 25 seasons with the Boilermakers, retired after last season and was fully satisfied with golfing and spending time with his wife. But Wayne Embry, the Toronto Raptors' assistant to the president, called Keady to offer him a job as a consultant or bench coach for the NBA franchise.
Embry was the league's first black general manager. He held that post for the Milwaukee Bucks from 1971 to 1979 following an NBA playing career that included five All-Star appearances.
"When he calls, you listen," said Keady. "When he's affiliated with something, you know it's going to be done right."
Keady will take a Caribbean cruise with his wife, Pat. They plan to decide by Dec. 6, the date they return.
Keady said he never had aspirations of coaching in the NBA, but he misses working with players. He spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday with the team, and watched the Raptors beat the Miami Heat 107-94 on Sunday.
"I like what I saw when I was up there," he said. "I like the players, the organization and the coaches. What's not to like?"
Toronto is the only team pursuing Keady.
"It's a good situation for someone to go in and help," he said. "It's nice to feel needed."