John Andrzejek won a national title as an assistant coach for the Florida Gators back in April.
Two days later, he was in Buies Creek being announced as the next head coach of Campbell's men's basketball team.
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“It’s a really, really exciting time for this program and for this university,” Andrzejek said.
It's his first head coaching job with high expectations on his shoulders.
WRAL News had exclusive access to the team's practice as he is forming his first team, as he's looking to make Campbell the next mid-major powerhouse.
“I can feel the energy every time I go to a restaurant or grocery store,” he said. “Everybody wants to talk about the team.”
He said the school is moving into an era “where college basketball is very transactional, but Campbell's a place that offers a transformational experience.”
“You know, at the end of the day, this is an opportunity school, and we're going to embrace that,” Andrzejek said.
He said the program is not at the top right now, but also not at the bottom.
“We're in that group that's got some work to do,” he said. “And to be honest, that's where Florida was last year.”
Reflecting on his previous season in the SEC, Andrzejek said the team was picked sixth in the conference going into the season and had to fight for everything they earned.
“I know what it takes to be an NBA player,” he said. “I've recruited 10 or 12 of them. I've coached a handful more, been a part of winning at the highest level in college basketball.”
Andrzejek said he has a good understanding of how he wants the team to play on both sides of the ball and plans to play a lot similar to how his team in Florida did.
“We'll play two bigs, we'll play fast,” he said. “We're going to push the pace, get up and down the floor.”
He said the Fighting Camels have added some talented players out of the transfer portal for the upcoming season, including DJ Smith.
Smith was a starting point guard on an NCAA tournament team at Robert Morris.
“I think he'll remind our fans a little bit of Chris Clemens,” Andrzejek said.
He added that there are several returning players who he said will play a big role.
“They're just good dudes,” he said. “They're really good people that are humble, hard-working. So, we're going to do our program and believe in what we do and live with the consequences, because I think the results are going to be pretty good. I really do.”
The Fighting Camels will hit the floor on Monday, Nov. 3, when they take on the Wisconsin Badgers.