Prokhorov Introduces Nets to Russia
Moscow, Russia – New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov has presented his team to the Russian public, meeting many of the players for the first time and reiterating a vow to turn them into a championship team in five years.
The Russian tycoon, who took over ownership in May, hosted an exhibition in Moscow on Sunday where Nets stars including Jordan Farmar and Devin Harris participated in training drills with local kids aged 8 to 18.
Prokhorov high-fived players when they were introduced and later described ambitious plans to secure a playoff berth in the coming season and to win the championship by 2015.
He says hiring coach Avery Johnson will help turn around last season’s embarrassing record of 12-70. Johnson is optimistic but warns “nothing’s going to happen overnight.”