Alumni Testimonial

Alumni Profile

Meet John Hammond

"As an alumnus, basketball player and coach at Greenville College, I know that Greenville can help coaches redefine success and develop a coaching philosophy that includes character, faith and performance. Obviously, the role of a coach is critical in the lives of young people. The coach is a highly influential position in our society. It's time for coaches to receive formal training to gain a full perspective on how to succeed in this demanding profession.  I gained valuable perspective at Greenville College to use as a coach and leader throughout my career in college and pro basketball."

-John Hammond, Milwaukee Bucks general manager

John Hammond, originally from Zion, Ill., attended Greenville College from 1972 to 1976 and played basketball for the Panthers. Hammond worked in various roles for University of Nebraska, Missouri State University, University of Missouri, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Detroit Pistons where he served as vice president of basketball operations in 2004 when the Pistons won the NBA title. In 2008 Hammond became general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks, and in 2010 he was named NBA Executive of the Year.

While attending Greenville, Hammond overcame the death of his best friend and basketball teammate, Scott Burgess, who passed away following an accident on the basketball floor during their freshmen season. Hammond also lost both of his parents to cancer early in his professional career. Through these traumatic events, Hammond has developed a close relationship with Burgess' father, Jay, and stepmother, Shay. Hammond was inducted into the Greenville College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998 and given the Greenville College distinguished alumnus award in 2009.

Read more about John Hammond, here.