Assistant Coach Damon Stoudamire is Moving to Memphis

Time for Arizona Wildcats Fans Say Goodbye to Coach Damon Stoudamire, again. He’s joining Josh Pastner’s coaching staff at the University of Memphis Tigers and we wish him well.

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We are disappointed at the news that our Assistant Coach Stoudamire is going to another school but we are also completely grateful to have his time for our players and coaches and entirely understand he wants to be closer to his family.

Players always say the nicest things about Coach Stoudamire. Javier Morales of AllSportsTucson.com reported T.J. McConnell‘s sentiments regarding Coach Stoudamire mentioned during a press conference, “You know, (Stoudamire’s) pretty much made me the point guard I am today, along with Coach (Sean) Miller, (and) my dad, but he’s taught me so many things about being a point guard that I didn’t think I’d be able to do or know. I’m the luckiest guy to have him as a coach. Glad we have a chance to let him come back home.”

Damon’s reasons are clear, any parent can understand why he needs to move jobs:

He tweeted out this sentiment, feeling for folks he is leaving behind and his loyalty as an Arizona Wildcat:

According to CBS Sports College Insider Gary Parish Damon Stoudamire is moving to Memphis and has already told his Arizona recruits, families and coaches:

"Arizona assistant Damon Stoudamire has reached an agreement in principle to leave his alma mater and return to Memphis as an assistant on Josh Pastner’s staff, a source told CBSSports.com on Monday. WildcatAuthority.com reported earlier that Stoudamire has already informed recruits."

Jan 16, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Tigers head coach Josh Pastner during the first half against the Connecticut Huskies at FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Also according to Parish, “The specifics at Memphis are still being worked through, a source told CBSSports.com. But Stoudamire will replace one of Pastner’s fulltime assistants.” He is guessing that might be Aki Collins since he is the odd man out due to the other two assistants having a relationship with incoming players.

As most of you are already aware, Stoudamire has is heart in two home cities; one is Tucson Arizona and the other is Memphis Tennessee. He has spent more time in Memphis over the years playing for the Memphis Grizzlies from 2005 to 2008, and serving as assistant coach from 2009-2011 .  Damon was a fantastic recruiter for the Memphis Tigers before joining Sean Miller at the University of Arizona in 2013.

His new head coach is also a fomer Arizona Wildcat, Josh Pastner played from 1996-2000 and was Lute Olson’s assistant coach from 2002-2008. While playing for Arizona, Pastner earned his degree in two and a half years and went on to study education post grad. He has earned a winning record as Head Coach of the Memphis Tigers of 145-58 (71.8%.) So Stoudamire is leaving the best program in the West for a pretty great program in the South (die hard fans would agree).

Over the past two seasons at Arizona Damon has helped the Wildcats go to the Elite Eight twice, and we will miss him and follow his success as a parent and as a coach.

BEARDOWN COACH STOUDAMIRE!

Next: Click Here for Damon's full Twitter statement

Feb 21, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats assistant coaches Damon Stoudamire Book Richardson , forward Brandon Ashley (21) , forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (23) , center Kaleb Tarczewski (35) and guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright (0) cheer from the bench after scoring against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Here is the full Twitter statement from Damon care of OregonLive.com (Stoudamire is originally from Oregon and played for the Portland Trailblazers as well):

Arizona Wildcats

“I tell you the last 72 hrs have been tough, but let me take everyone into my mind for a moment!

Every since I was 7 yrs old I dedicated my life to being an NBA baller! Yes, I was selfish every step of the way. I had a great 13 year career in the NBA. When I retired, I started coaching and fell in love with it! I have ability lots of people struggle with and that’s dealing with kids! It’s always been that way!

As when I left Memphis, it was about an opportunity to come back to my alma mater and represent U of A the best I could! Strange thing is, I found out a lot who Damon Stoudamire actually was! I had changed. I wasn’t the same guy anymore! The question became: We’re as good as any team in the country, we have pros, I work for 1 of the best dudes and basketball minds in the country! Why do i feel empty?

I’m helping raise everybody else’s kids, but what about my 2 boys?! They need me, too. All my playing years I was selfish and it worked out for me but, now it’s not about me, it’s about my boys! I never really knew how I felt till I missed seeing them play in football and basketball games! I was finally their dad again. Not the guy on TV anymore. I’d finally built our relationship where it needed to be. This opportunity to still do what I love, coaching bball and helping kids, but being by my own was too good to pass up! In my eyes it’s the best of both worlds! Arizona basketball is in a great place with a great coach, passionate fans, great administration! I will always be AZ to the heart, but right now it’s just not about me. #beardown #AZ4life” — Damon Stoudamire on Twitter.

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