“With the timing right before the start of the season, we were looking for someone that would offer us the smoothest transition, and John is someone who has been consistently around our program that we respect and trust,” Binford said in a statement. “He’s coached four of our current players; he’s always working in a gym; and given his commitment to family and business, we’re very appreciative that he’s agreed to become a part of our program.”
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The Jazz legend and NBA Hall of Famer will replace Kellee Barney, who announced she was leaving the program last week. Stockton has coached four of MSU’s players in the past. He previously coached his daughter, Lindsay, and Hannah Caudill at Gonzaga Prep. He also coached Delany Junkermier and Lexi Dawkins while with the Sandpipers AAU team of Spokane, Wash.
“Coach Binford called and took a flier asking if I’d be interested,” Stockton said. “I’m excited about the prospect of working with the kids. I’ve enjoyed watching the team over the past three years. I had a chance to be around them and develop relationships during their trip to the Bahamas this spring. It will be a fun group to work with.”
Lindsay Stockton is a senior guard for the Bobcats; she led the team with 4.3 assists per game last season.
Montana State is slated to open the season Nov. 4 when it hosts Montana Tech for an exhibition game.
