With Brian Gregory officially named as the Phoenix Suns new head coach, it’s time to look at his new coaching staff. This is a monumental accomplishment in his career, coming after 10 plus years of broad-ranging experience in the NBA. Gregory, who joined our team in May, is truly a fountain of knowledge. He has an unusual in to MSU, having been an assistant coach there at the time current Suns owner Mat Ishbia was a player.
With Gregory at the helm, the Suns continue to work to add on to that impressive foundation laid down a year ago. During Gregory’s final year, his Cleveland Cavaliers—of which he’d been named assistant coach to in 2014—went 64-18, clinching the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The franchise’s recent history on the field has been just as controversial. Gregory now set out to reverse a trend of four head coaches in as many seasons.
Gregory’s extensive background includes working with several prominent teams, such as the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Cleveland Cavaliers. He has taken teams to the playoffs in 10 of his 12 seasons in the league. This remarkable record of accomplishment is a reflection of his extraordinary leadership abilities. He certainly has the professional pedigree to match that. This past summer, he made the jump from coaching college basketball to the NBA.
Gregory’s ties to Michigan State extend beyond mere nostalgia. He earned a master’s degree from the institution and served as a video coordinator from 2008 to 2013. His close connection with Ishbia deepened during the closing stages of his interview process for the head coaching job.
At 40 years old, Gregory is a true innovator, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. His overall coaching philosophy is focusing on the people and play to their strengths and unique skills. As he prepares for the next season, he knows that the only way to really create the best, most cohesive system is to know your players.
Devin Booker is probably the highest-player left on Phoenix… He’s a franchise icon who’s devoted all ten of his career seasons to Phoenix. It is a promising development for a four-time All-Star. He is increasingly the only untouchable member on a roster that sheds other marquee players yet again. So Gregory’s capacity to fold Booker’s talents into his play-calling plans will be critical for the Colts’ offense to soar.
Jordan Ott, an assistant coach under Gregory, noted the key of developing a coaching system based on the players’ abilities.
“Any good coach will build their system according to their personnel on both sides,” – Jordan Ott
Knowledge of the people, he continued, is key to any strategic plan before going to execute the personnel.
“There’s a preferred style of play and you can still get it based on different personnel. But until the personnel is set, that’s when you can really build it out.” – Jordan Ott
As Gregory starts this new chapter with the Suns, he knows there’s plenty of work to do.
“We’re all aware of what we sign up for when we’re an NBA basketball coach,” – Jordan Ott
Gregory sounded bold on the day of his appointment. He emphasized the unequivocal decision he chose to pursue during the process of selection.
“At the end of it, no question, clear choice, Jordan Ott stood out in every single stage of the process,” – Brian Gregory
With the summer now here, Gregory is preparing to finalize his roster and plan for the coming season. First and foremost, he needs to maximize his players’ potential and create a positive, winning team culture.
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