Byron Scott Eyes ASU Coaching Role: A Legend's Return?
In the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball, the Arizona State Sun Devils find themselves at a crossroads with a coaching vacancy that has the rumor mill buzzing. Among the names swirling around, one stands out for its deep-rooted connection to the program: Byron Scott. A Hall of Famer at ASU, Scott is making a compelling case to return to his alma mater, aiming to revive the glory days he once experienced on the court.
Scott’s enthusiasm is palpable as he discusses the prospect of coaching at ASU. “I’m smiling from ear to ear just to be talking about the possibility,” he shared.
Reminiscing about his playing days alongside legends like Lafayette Lever and Alton Lister, Scott recalls a time when ASU soared to third in the national rankings under coach Ned Wulk. His goal?
To bring that level of success back to the program.
While Brandon Duenas from Locked On Podcast Network suggests Scott has already interviewed for the position, Scott remains tight-lipped. However, his admiration for Wulk, ASU’s most successful coach, is clear.
Scott played under Wulk from 1979 to 1981, reaching two NCAA tournaments with an impressive 46-11 record. He hopes to channel Wulk’s impactful coaching style if given the chance.
Yet, questions linger about Scott’s time away from coaching and the shifts in the college basketball landscape. His last head coaching stint was with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2014 to 2016, a period after which the sport has seen dramatic changes with the rise of the transfer portal and NIL deals. Scott, however, views these changes as aligning more closely with the professional game, an arena he knows well.
“I look at the situation more like it’s almost professional basketball now,” Scott explained, drawing on his 17 years of NBA coaching experience. His resume is packed with notable achievements, including an NBA Coach of the Year award and coaching stints with players like Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant. His relationship with Bryant, in particular, remains one of his most cherished memories.
Scott envisions a professional-style culture at ASU, emphasizing a family-oriented atmosphere-a lesson he learned from NBA legends like Dr. Jerry Buss and Pat Riley. “It was all about making sure everybody felt like part of a family,” Scott noted, underscoring his holistic approach to team management.
With his extensive NBA background and personal ties to ASU, Scott presents a unique blend of experience and passion. Whether this will translate into a coaching role at ASU remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Byron Scott’s name will remain in the conversation until a decision is made.