Former pros take to prep ranks
A trend's emerging of former NBA players coaching on H.S. sidelines
Kenny Anderson. Muggsy Bogues. And now Pervis Ellison.
Former NBA players taking the reigns of high school basketball programs is emerging as a popular trend these days. And we think it's great.
Kenny "The Kid," now Kenny "The Coach"
Anderson, who's widely considered one of the greatest high school players in New York City's illustrious history, was hired as the head man of The David Posnack Jewish Day School in suburban Miami, Florida.
"This school reminds me of [Archbishop Molloy, Anderson's own alma mater]," Anderson told the Miami Herald. "Student-[first], and an athlete second. And the family atmosphere -- the whole fact that everybody shows a lot of love, shows a lot of togetherness."
The Queens-product was reportedly looking to get into coaching over the last few years, and finally got his break.
"It's really a perfect fit for both of us," David Posnack athletic director Mitch Evron told the Herald. "For where we both are."
Bogues en vogue on sidelines
Bogues is no stranger to high school basketball, either. The 5-3 Five-Star alumnus played at nationally renowned Dunbar High School in his native Baltimore, compiling back-to-back perfect seasons as a junior and senior while earning the distincition as the No. 1 team in America by USA Today in 1983.
He went on to become the shortest player in NBA history, carving out a highly successful career with the Bullets (currently Wizards), Hornets, Warriors and Raptors.
The minute floor leader took to the sidelines at United Faith Christian Academy in Charlotte, NC, on September 20, taking over a program that won independent school championships in 2009 and 2010.
"My goal is to make sure I do a great job this year and give the kids what they need," Bogues told the Charlotte Observer. "I'm looking forward to working with the kids and helping to build the program."
He'll coach 7-0 senior standout, Peter Jurkin, who's committed to Indiana University.
"Never Nervous" Pervis takes over at Life Center Academy
Pervis Ellison's the latest, but certainly not the last retired pro to surface in the prep ranks as a coach. Last Thursday, the Boston Herald reported that the former No. 1 NBA Draft pick will oversee the boy's varsity team at Life Center Academy in Burlington, N.J.
"I’ve been around the program for about two years, and I’ve seen all the opportunities they provide for young kids coming from the inner city," said Ellison. "I saw an organization that reaches out and helps people and needed a coach, so I wanted to step up."
Ellison has experience coaching a high-level Philadelphia-based summer club, Team Final, who's 16U team finished No. 8 in the Five-Star Top 25.
"Any time I get the chance to be around young folk, I take it," Ellison said. "I want to have the ability to teach young people, and while that can be a rewarding experience for myself, it also has a positive influence on the kids."
Who's next? Which current or former NBA player do you think would make a great high school coach? Let us know in the comments below.
