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'Youth is not an excuse’: How Ime Udoka plans to coach Rockets' stars

"We’re trying to expedite the process of becoming professionals," Udoka told the media at Wednesday's introductory press conference. "Youth is not an excuse."

The pointed comments stand in line with Udoka's self-described coaching style. He served as an assistant in San Antonio for nearly a decade before a one-season stint as the head coach of the Celtics in 2021-22, lifting a few pointers from legendary coach Gregg Popovich in the process. Udoka detailed the core of his coaching beliefs Wednesday, appearing to take a page out of the Popovich playbook.

"My style, personally, is very up-front, honest and blunt to an extent," Udoka said.