After a widespread and highly debated search, the Milwaukee Bucks last week found the coach to lead the team into its new arena and into its much-promoted future: Mike Budenholzer, the former head coach of the Atlanta Hawks and popular assistant under future hall of fame NBA coach Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs. 

Today, Budenholzer made his landing in Milwaukee truly official, making his first appearance as Bucks head coach at an introductory press conference held this afternoon inside the upcoming Bucks arena. 

Joined by Bucks GM Jon Horst, Budenholzer took questions from the media about why he chose the Bucks over the other coaching vacancies (namely the Toronto Raptors, the top seed in the Eastern Conference last season), his ballyhooed breakfast meeting with Bucks stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, his early impressions on what he's looking for from the team, where he'd like to see it improve and, in a later reporter gathering, how thankful he is that he no longer has to see the Greek Freak on the opposing team. 

"It was miserable to coach against him," Budenholzer laughed, "and I'm so happy now that I'm going to say, '34, he's on my team? That's, like, really cool!' He's a nightmare to coach against and game plan for. ... I couldn't be more excited about coaching him."

Here's the entirety of Budenholzer's first words as the new head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Up next for Budenholzer? Finalizing his staff of coaching assistants and the NBA Draft next month, where the Bucks have the 17th pick. 

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