Kansas is hiring former star participant and two-time NBA head coach Jacque Vaughn as an assistant coach, the varsity introduced on Wednesday.
Vaughn is the first-ever former NBA head coach to hitch Kansas’ teaching employees.
“I am actually honored and overwhelmed with pleasure to return to my alma mater and be a part of Coach Self’s employees as an assistant coach,” Vaughn stated. “The sport of basketball has offered me the unimaginable privilege to mentor, coach, and compete alongside a number of the finest within the recreation. I could not go up the chance to carry these experiences again to the varsity meaning a lot to me. It is a blessing to as soon as once more be a part of the Jayhawk custom.”
Vaughn performed at Kansas from 1993-97, successful Large Eight Participant of the 12 months honors in 1996 and incomes second-team All-America recognition in each 1996 and 1997. His jersey was retired in 2002 and he ranks third all-time in program historical past in assists.
“We’re very excited to welcome Jacque and [his wife] Laura into the fold,” head coach Invoice Self stated. “I’ve identified Jacque from a distance for a number of years now and have all the time admired how he has performed himself professionally and the way he has handled individuals. I feel he will likely be a wonderful addition to our program, whereas additionally serving as an amazing mentor, coach and consultant of Kansas basketball. We misplaced an superior coach in Norm [Roberts] when he retired however really feel very lucky to have changed him with an amazing Jayhawk that has a singular and spectacular resume.”
After being drafted within the first spherical of the 1997 NBA draft, Vaughn had a 12-year NBA profession, highlighted by an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2007.
He spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the Spurs below Gregg Popovich earlier than being employed as the pinnacle coach of the Orlando Magic in 2012. His second stint as an NBA head coach got here in 2022, when he took over because the Brooklyn Nets interim head coach following Steve Nash’s departure and was promoted to the everlasting job eight days later. Vaughn guided the Nets to the 2023 NBA playoffs.
Vaughn joins a employees of longtime Self lieutenants, together with Kurtis Townsend, Joe Dooley and Jeremy Case. He replaces Norm Roberts, who retired earlier this offseason.
