Back to coaching roots

When the Warriors played the Clips a couple days ago, Monty returned home, to the place where he got his first head coaching job, the University of Montana.

There won't be much hoopla, but there are some who remember what he did for the program. There was a reception with some former players Sunday night, and he will be recognized during tonight's game.

"He built the program up," said Larry Krystkowiak, who was a guard in the NBA for 10 years and is now the Grizzlies basketball coach.

"He brought stability over a seven- or eight-year period. He established the program."

He closed out his stint in Missoula with four consecutive 20-win seasons and two straight NIT bids. He had four players drafted in the NBA -- forward John Stroedoer (eighth round to Portland in 1980), forward Derrick Pope (sixth round to Portland in 1983), Marc Glass (fourth round to Los Angeles Clippers in 1984) and Krystkowiak (second round by San Antonio in 1986).