In an effort to boost interest in its fledgling sports teams, NYU has hired actor Harrison Ford as head coach of the men’s basketball team.
Ford’s experience as a coach in the movie “42” makes him an instrumental addition to the team, said dean I. Actalot of the Tisch School of the Arts.
“I saw him in a trailer for ‘42’ and thought, ‘That’s our guy,’” Actalot said. “I mean the guy coached Jackie Robinson, and Jackie was really good.”
Students are thrilled with the decision.
“Han Solo is coaching basketball? Awesome,” said Tisch sophomore Hannah Horvath. “I might even go to games now. Where’s Coles again?”
When asked about his new coaching position, Ford said, “I don’t understand, I’m just an actor.”
Al Pacino, coach of the Miami Sharks in the movie “Any Given Sunday,” was disappointed he did not get the position.
“I am very angry. This is a game of inches,” Pacino said.
Also joining Ford’s coaching staff in the upcoming season will be several of the Monstars, including Null, Zilch and Void, from the 1996 basketball movie “Space Jam.” The Monstars will be able to share some on-court knowledge with NYU’s squad.
Zilch said he would like to see the feared home court advantage return to Coles.
“Look, this place may not be Moron Mountain, but we can still make opponents fear coming to play here,” he said.
A version of this article appeared in the Monday, April 1 print edition. Lyla Garrity is a former Panthers cheerleader. Jason Street is former Panthers quaterback. Email them at [email protected].