Arizona Basketball: Why Damon Stoudamire should join the Wildcats coaching staff
By David Rosen
One of the great guards to put on an Arizona Basketball uniform, Damon Stoudamire, was named the WCC Coach of the Year and would be an excellent fit to join the Wildcats coaching staff.
Former Arizona Basketball standouts have made a name for themselves, not just as player, but also as a coach. The latest to do so was one of the great Wildcat guards and three-point shooters, Damon Stoudamire. He was named WCC Coach of the Year as a head coach of the Pacific Tigers. His skill set, knowledge of the game and knowing what it takes to win would make him an excellent fit to join the Arizona coaching staff, once again.
Similar to what Adia Barnes has done for the women’s basketball program, Stoudamire has completely turned things around for the Pacific Tigers. In his fourth season as head coach, the Tigers are 23-9 overall and 11-5 in the WCC. They are currently tied for third, trailing BYU and one of the best teams in the nation Gonzaga.
In his first season with the Tigers, they were 11-22, but over the course of these last three seasons, he has gradually improved the overall record and now is seeking to make a run and get into the NCAA Tournament. They haven’t made the tournament since the 2012-13 season, but have a chance to this season.
Arizona Wildcats Basketball
Having been a former player at Arizona for four-seasons and 15 seasons in the NBA, he understands what’s involved in being successful and to be able to compete with the best. His resume speaks for itself, at the college level and in the NBA. From being the Pac-12 POY to the NBA Rookie of the Year, Stoudamire knows what it takes to be at the top.
All that being said, he would make a great fit alongside Coach Sean Miller and associate head coach Jack Murphy. He would instantly have that connection to the players and to the city of Tucson. Plus, his understanding of the guard position and knowing how Miller likes to recruit some of the best guards in the country, he would fit in perfectly.
For those that don’t remember, he was part of the coaching staff for Arizona Basketball for two seasons under Miller (2013-14 and 2014-15) before he left to re-join the coaching staff at Memphis.
Fans love him, players do as well, why not bring him back?! In today’s age of college basketball, it’s more important than ever to have a solid coaching staff that connects with the players on the team and can recruit as well. Stoudamire is your guy!
At Zona Zealots, we would like to congratulate Damon Stoudamire on being named WCC Coach of the Year. Well deserved honor. Maybe in the future, we might see him back on the sidelines inside McKale Center. You can always hope! As always, Bear Down, Arizona