Prokhorov, On His Way, Promises Championship in Five Years

Sometime Monday night, a Gulfstream V carrying the new owner of the New Jersey Nets touched down in New York. Mikhail Prokhorov will get some rest before embarking on a whirlwind of appearances, interviews, a press conference and no doubt some very pricey meals. There'll also be a round of hand shaking with Nets' employees.

But before leaving Moscow, Prokhorov recorded a video message to Nets fans in which he promised to build the team quickly, provide the front office with all the resources it needs and be personally involved in the recruiting of free agents.

Here are some quotes from the two-minute long message, shot in his sister's kitchen:

"If everything goes as planned, I expect to be in the playoffs next season...and championship in one year minimum and maximum in five years... 

"The excitement is with the Nets.  We will have a desire to win that is unmatched anywhere in the league.  This will be a first class organization with all the support it needs... 

"This will be the first truly global team in the NBA with exceptional international exposure no other team can reach, and there will be fans of the Nets from New Jersey to Brooklyn to Moscow...

“I can convince the very best of the best that the Nets are the place they want to be.”

The Russian billionaire will be at the NBA Draft Lottery in Secaucus Tuesday night, when he'll make some limited remarks. Then, Wednesday, he'll hold an introductory press conference in midtown Manhattan before going head-to-head with WFAN's Mike Francesa at 2 p.m.  Oh yeah, Wednesday night, you might find him getting some cheers at a nearby Stadium. Did someone say new Steinbrenner?