What They're Saying: New USC Women's Basketball Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb

5/10/2021

USC found its new women's basketball coach in trailblazer Lindsay Gottlieb on Monday.

Gottlieb, 43, arrives at USC with a one-of-a-kind background. She became just the seventh female NBA assistant when she was hired by the Cleveland Cavaliers in June of 2019 and the first NCAA women's head coach to be hired by an NBA team. Prior to her NBA stint, she spent eight seasons at California, leading the Golden Bear women to seven NCAA appearances and a trip to the Final Four.

Here is what Gottlieb's peers in the basketball community are saying about the Trojans' new leader:

NBA PLAYERS

She’s been amazing. She’s had a voice in our locker room since Day 1. She’s really funny, smart, good to be around, knows the game. She’s exceptional. She’s going to be a force of nature going forward.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love

She killed it. She was on point with every single detail. It's crazy. I've never had a female coach before. I'm so amazed by her.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland

I immediately gravitated towards her and have ever since. I always preach positivity. She sees that. Any time she sees me get down on myself, she always comes over and gives me a pat on the leg and tells me to stay positive and I will be fine.

Los Angeles Lakers center and former Cavaliers player Andre Drummond

NBA COACHES

She’ll definitely be missed ... How she helped guys improve, how she helped guys work through difficult scenarios. Working with young people and helping them grow isn’t always easy, but it came natural to her. Our guys are grateful and we’re all grateful for having time with her and learning from her and being a part of her basketball journey.

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff

I sort of kick myself for not getting her on my staff before she left for Cleveland ... So when I read the news that she left for Cleveland, it really sort of caught me off-guard and I immediately thought, 'Why didn't we think of that?'

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr

Lindsay Gottlieb has been a tremendous asset to this organization since joining us two seasons ago, and I couldn’t be more excited for this incredible opportunity ahead of her at the University of Southern California. Lindsay brought an extensive coaching and culture-building background to Cleveland that fit seamlessly with the existing direction in place for this team. What really stands out about her time with the Cavaliers was how well she was able to communicate with our players, while demonstrating different perspectives on a daily basis that helped change the outlook of the game for many of our guys.

Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman

NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden State Warriors

WNBA PLAYERS

Lindsay comes from a place of honesty. I never once doubted her intentions. She never hides anything ... That's very powerful to players. They don't want to play for someone they don't trust.

Los Angeles Sparks forward-center and former Cal standout Kristine Anigwe

New York Liberty guard and former Cal standout Layshia Clarendon

She’s back in the Pac! ???? Congrats @CoachLindsayG https://t.co/UgXzxPFQ3e
— Layshia Clarendon (@Layshiac) May 10, 2021

COLLEGE COACHES

The Pac-12 got better today. Lindsay is a great hire for USC. She is a proven winner and develops people as well as basketball players. Rising tides lift all boats and the Pac-12 women’s basketball boats rose to another level.

UCLA women's basketball coach Cori Close

I’m really happy for my friend. I think USC made a great choice and it’s exciting to have Lindsay back in the conference.

California women's basketball coach Charmin Smith

"I think it is a great hire!" Hall of Fame @StanfordWBB coach Tara VanDerveer says of @USCWBB bringing Lindsay Gottlieb back to the Pac-12. See you soon and congrats, @CoachLindsayG!
— Janie McCauley (@JanieMcCAP) May 10, 2021

OTHER REACTIONS

WELL THIS IS AMAZING!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!@USCWBB @CoachLindsayG
Nothin but a G thing baby...Coach G gonna make USC go crazay.

Cleveland Cavaliers Asst. Lindsay Gottlieb, Who Led California To NCAA Final Four, Named USC Women’s Basketball Head Coach https://t.co/18t2wICi6R
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) May 10, 2021

The best conference for Women's College Basketball in the country just got a lot tougher. Fantastic hire by @USC_Athletics with @CoachLindsayG to take over @USCWBB. Thrilled for my friend and it's great for @pac12 Women's Hoops. https://t.co/zwIu26toop
— Roxy Bernstein (@roxybernstein) May 10, 2021