Kevin Young (basketball, born 1981)

Last updated

Kevin Young
Head Coach Kevin Young - BYU Blue vs. White 2024.jpg
Young with BYU in 2024
BYU Cougars
Position Head coach
League Big 12 Conference
Personal information
Born (1981-11-17) November 17, 1981 (age 43)
Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
Career information
High school Sprayberry (Marietta, Georgia)
College
Coaching career2004–present
Career history
As coach:
2004–2005 Oxford College (assistant)
2005–2006 Utah Valley (assistant)
2006–2007 Shamrock Rovers Hoops
2007–2010 Utah Flash (assistant)
2010–2011Utah Flash
2011–2013 Iowa Energy
2013–2014 Delaware 87ers (assistant)
2014–2016Delaware 87ers
2016–2020 Philadelphia 76ers (assistant)
2020–2021 Phoenix Suns (assistant)
2021–2024 Phoenix Suns (associate head coach)
2024–present BYU

Kevin Young (born November 17, 1981) is an American basketball coach and former player who is head coach of the Brigham Young University (BYU) men's basketball team. Young has held various coaching roles at the professional, minor league, and collegiate levels in the United States and in other countries. Immediately prior to joining the Cougars, Young was associate head coach for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contents

Playing career

Young's own basketball career started in Marietta, Georgia, where he played high school basketball at Sprayberry High School under Coach Roger Kvam. After high school, Young attended Middle Georgia College, a NJCAA establishment. After 2 years, he transferred to Clayton State University, a Division II university, where he was considered a standout guard. [1]

Coaching career

After finishing his collegiate career, he made his professional head coaching debut at age 23 in Oxford, Georgia with Oxford College. He then headed to Orem, Utah as an assistant coach under Dick Hunsaker at UVSC during the 2005–06 season. [2] He then traveled to Dublin, Ireland with the Shamrock Rovers Hoops in the country's Super League. Returning to the U.S. after one season, he joined the NBA D-League as an assistant coach for the Utah Flash for a season under coach Brad Jones.

In 2010, Young was promoted to head coach of the Utah Flash. In that season, he led the team to a record of 28–22, including a 9-game winning streak, before losing to the eventual champion Iowa Energy 2–1 in the first round of the playoffs. After Nick Nurse left the Energy, the team named Young their new head coach for 2011. He coached the Energy for the next two seasons, having an average record the first season and losing in the first round to the Los Angeles D-Fenders (now the South Bay Lakers), before having a worse record the second season and being subsequently fired after starting with a 6–17 record.

Young was then named an assistant coach for the Delaware 87ers (now Delaware Blue Coats), the re-branded team name of the Utah Flash, for a season. He was later meant to be a player development coach for the 87ers before the promotion of head coach Rod Baker to scout for the Philadelphia 76ers led to Young being promoted back to head coach for the newly re-branded franchise. For the next three seasons, there were incremental improvements with the 87ers, going from 20 wins to 21 wins to 26 wins throughout his second coaching tenure with the franchise. However, he was also instrumental for not just helping Thanasis Antetokounmpo get drafted in the 2014 NBA draft, but also seeing four different players scoring season-highs of at least 45 points throughout his second season, with Christian Wood and Jordan McRae growing to be capable NBA players in their careers not long after.

On August 4, 2016, Young was promoted to the role of assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers. [3] Outside of an injury plagued first season with the 76ers, in each season afterward, he helped get the 76ers into the playoffs for at least the first round, with highlight appearances in the second round in 2018 and 2019. After Brett Brown was fired in 2020, Young interviewed for the open head coach position before it was ultimately filled by Doc Rivers. [4]

On October 9, 2020, Young was named assistant coach of the Phoenix Suns, reuniting with head coach Monty Williams after a season together as assistant coaches with the 76ers. [5] In his first season with Phoenix, he not only helped the team reach the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2010, but also reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993. On August 7, 2021, Young was promoted to the role of associate head coach of the Suns. [6] In his first year as associate head coach, Young became the Suns' acting head coach for a four game stretch in late December and early January, while Monty Williams was in health and safety protocols. [7] Following Young's four game stint as acting head coach, Chris Paul said, ""He did a great job...KY will be a head coach very soon in this league." [8]

In May 2022, Young was featured in ESPN's annual report on potential coaching candidates to watch. The article stated when talking about Young, "If it's alignment you're looking for, Suns associate head coach Kevin Young is a natural fit. Both the Suns' basketball ops crew and head coach Monty Williams regard Young as an essential hub to share ideas across the organization. It's a logical role for a young coach who excels at both listening and communicating. Young served as a head coach in the G League for six seasons, which gave him a foundation as an organizer and big-picture thinker. He has earned the respect of players with his work ethic and candor. He was a finalist for the Washington job last spring, where his sharpness impressed." [9] Young has since been interviewed for head coaching positions with the Houston Rockets, [10] Toronto Raptors, and Milwaukee Bucks, as well as the Phoenix Suns following the report's release. [11]

On June 3, 2023, Young was given a five-year contract extension worth $10 million with the Phoenix Suns, making him the highest-paid assistant coach in the NBA after finishing as the runner-up for the open head coach position for them. [12] He remained in the associate head coach role with the team, with Frank Vogel being the Suns' newest head coach.

On April 16, 2024, Young was named the head coach at BYU, filling the vacancy left by the departure of Mark Pope to the University of Kentucky. [13] He formally joined BYU after the Suns were eliminated in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs. [14]

Head coaching record

Statistics overview
SeasonTeamOverallConferenceStandingPostseason
BYU Cougars (Big 12 Conference)(2024–present)
2024–25 BYU 6–20–0
BYU:6–2 (.750)0–0 (–)
Total:6–2 (.750)

      National champion        Postseason invitational champion  
      Conference regular season champion        Conference regular season and conference tournament champion
      Division regular season champion      Division regular season and conference tournament champion
      Conference tournament champion

Personal life

Young is married to Melissa Bailey of Omaha, Nebraska; they have two sons and one daughter. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. [15]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phoenix Suns</span> National Basketball Association team in Phoenix, Arizona

The Phoenix Suns are an American professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. They are the only team in their division not to be based in California. The Suns play their home games at the Footprint Center. The Suns are one of three major league sports teams based in the Phoenix area, but are the only one to bill themselves as representing the city.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Danny Ainge</span> American basketball executive and player

Daniel Ray Ainge is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and professional baseball player who serves as an executive for the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA). During his 18-year career as general manager for the Boston Celtics, Ainge was known for making bold moves to help the team rebuild, and clearing cap space. He served as the Celtics' president of basketball operations from 2003 until his retirement in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeff Hornacek</span> American basketball player and coach (born 1963)

Jeffrey John Hornacek is an American professional basketball coach and a former player who is a coaching consultant for the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He previously was the head coach for both the Phoenix Suns (2013–2016) and the New York Knicks (2016–2018). He was also an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets. He played shooting guard in the NBA from 1986 through 2000 and played collegiately at Iowa State University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dan Majerle</span> American basketball player (born 1965)

Daniel Lewis Majerle, also known by the nickname "Thunder Dan", is an American former professional basketball player and former coach of the Grand Canyon Antelopes. He played 14 years in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, and Cleveland Cavaliers. He won a bronze medal with the U.S. national team at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, and a gold medal at the 1994 FIBA World Championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Willie Green</span> American basketball player and coach (born 1981)

William Julius Green is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is the head coach for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played professionally in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic. He was selected in the second round of the 2003 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics and later acquired by the Philadelphia 76ers from Seattle in a draft-night trade for the draft rights to Paccelis Morlende and cash considerations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1988–89 NBA season</span> 43rd NBA season

The 1988–89 NBA season was the 43rd season of the National Basketball Association. The season ended with the Detroit Pistons winning the NBA Championship, sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers. This was the first season of the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiago Splitter</span> Brazilian basketball player (born 1985)

Tiago Splitter Beims is a Brazilian basketball coach and former professional player. He is currently the head coach for Paris Basketball. A three-time All-EuroLeague Team selection prior to his NBA career, he became the first Brazilian-born player to win an NBA championship, in 2014, as a member of the San Antonio Spurs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyrone Corbin</span> American basketball player and coach

Tyrone Kennedy Corbin is an American former basketball player who last worked as an assistant coach for the Charlotte Hornets. He was first appointed the assistant coach of the Phoenix Suns, then was named the Utah Jazz’s head coach, on February 10, 2011, following the resignation of longtime coach Jerry Sloan. He was also the brief interim head coach of the Sacramento Kings in the 2014–15 season before being replaced by George Karl. Prior to that, Corbin played 16 seasons in the NBA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monty Williams</span> American basketball coach and former player (born 1971)

Tavares Montgomery Williams is an American professional basketball coach, executive, and former player of the National Basketball Association (NBA) who is the head coach of the TMI Episcopal’s boys basketball team. He previously served as the head coach of the Detroit Pistons. Williams played for five NBA teams during a playing career that spanned from 1994 to 2003. His NBA coaching career has included stints as an assistant coach, associate head coach, and head coach.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Delaware Blue Coats</span> American professional basketball team of the NBA G League

The Delaware Blue Coats are an American professional basketball team in the NBA G League based in Wilmington, Delaware. They are the G-League affiliates of the Philadelphia 76ers. The Blue Coats play their home games at Chase Fieldhouse. The Blue Coats are owned by Josh Harris and David Blitzer under Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), who also own the 76ers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roger Reid (basketball)</span> American basketball coach

Roger L. Reid is an American former college basketball coach who most recently guided the Southern Utah University (SUU) men's basketball team. He served as head coach at Brigham Young University (BYU) from 1989 to 1996 and assistant coach for the NBA's Phoenix Suns. He has also coached at the high school, junior college and international levels. In addition, he played for former NBA coach Dick Motta at Weber State University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Finch</span> American basketball coach (born 1969)

Chris Finch is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is the head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was previously an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans, and Toronto Raptors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frank Vogel</span> American basketball coach (born 1973)

Frank Paul Vogel is an American professional basketball coach who currently serves as a coaching consultant for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He previously served as the head coach for the Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns leading the Lakers to an NBA championship in 2020. Vogel began his career as an assistant coach for the Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Boston Celtics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kendall Marshall</span> American basketball coach and player (born 1991)

Kendall Dewan Marshall is an American basketball coach and former professional player. He was born in Dumfries, Virginia, and attended Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington, Virginia. He played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels and was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft with the 13th overall pick.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian Wood</span> American basketball player (born 1995)

Christian Marquise Wood is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the UNLV Runnin' Rebels. He has also played in the NBA for the Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">De'Anthony Melton</span> American basketball player (born 1998)

De'Anthony Melton, nicknamed "Mr. Do Something", is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the USC Trojans of the Pac-12 Conference, but did not play in the 2017–18 season due to the events relating to the 2017–18 NCAA Division I men's basketball corruption scandal.

A superteam in the National Basketball Association (NBA) is an arbitrary term to describe a team that uses player acquisitions in a short period of time to create a higher than average concentration of top-level players. While there is no official definition, it is generally viewed as a team with three or more Hall of Fame, All-NBA, or perennial All-Star players that join together to pursue an NBA championship.

The 2019–20 Phoenix Suns season was their 52nd season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA), as well as their 27th season at the Talking Stick Resort Arena, later being considered the last season playing under that name. At the conclusion of their previous season, the Suns made James Jones the team's permanent general manager, with co-interim general manager Trevor Bukstein returning to his prior assistant general manager role. With a 19–63 season over, their entire coaching staff, including head coach Igor Kokoškov, was dismissed on April 23, 2019. After a quick head coaching search, the Suns hired former New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans head coach and Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Monty Williams as the team's new head coach on May 3, later completing their new coaching staff on June 26. After the first seven games, despite an early 25-game long suspension to star center Deandre Ayton, the Suns had their best start to a season since the 2013–14 season, and best point differential since the 2004–05 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Mazzulla</span> American basketball coach (born 1988)

Joseph Mazzulla is an American professional basketball coach who is the head coach for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for West Virginia University.

The 2024–25 Phoenix Suns season is the 57th season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA), as well as their 32nd season at Footprint Center. It is also their second full season under the ownership group led by Mat Ishbia and Justin Ishbia after the brothers purchased the team on February 8, 2023, and their second season with their "Big Three" superteam of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal together. This will be their second season in a row with a new head coach taking over since Monty Williams' firing following the announcement of Frank Vogel's firing on May 9, 2024, this time having 2021 NBA Finals champion coach Mike Budenholzer taking over as the new head coach two days later. This is also their first season since the 2019–20 season where the Suns would properly utilize the NBA G League again with their own squad after previously selling the Northern Arizona Suns to the Detroit Pistons during that season's suspension/reinstatement period and subsequently shutting down that G League team for the following season afterward in a move unrelated to their sale, thus marking the first time where every NBA team would utilize their own G League affiliate during a season. Entering this season, the Suns are looking to improve upon their previous season's record of 49–33, which left them with a sixth-place finish in the Western Conference, as well as look to enter the playoffs for the fifth straight season after previously missing the playoffs for a decade straight and improve upon their first round sweeping exit from the last postseason.

References

  1. ↑ "Kevin Young 2003–04". Clayton State Sports. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  2. ↑ "Kevin Young – Assistant Coach – Men's Basketball Coaches". Utah Valley University Athletics. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
  3. ↑ "Sixers Announce Coaching Staff Updates for 2016–17 Season". NBA.com .
  4. ↑ Unknown [ permanent dead link ]
  5. ↑ "Suns Add Kevin Young To Coaching Staff". NBA.com . October 9, 2020. Retrieved October 9, 2020.
  6. ↑ "SUNS ANNOUNCE COACHING STAFF ADDITIONS". www.nba.com.
  7. ↑ "Suns have confidence in acting head coach Kevin Young". Arizona Sports. December 30, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
  8. ↑ Rankin, Duane. "'Pep in his step' Suns welcome back Monty Williams after clearing COVID protocols, Landry Shamet in protocols". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
  9. ↑ "NBA coaching prospects: Here are the top names league insiders are extolling behind the scenes". ESPN.com. May 4, 2022. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
  10. ↑ "Kevin Young To Remain With Suns; Will Be Highest-Paid Assistant". Hoops Rumors. June 3, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  11. ↑ "Bucks Receive Permission to Interview Suns Coach Kevin Young". Archived from the original on June 3, 2023.
  12. ↑ "Sources: Suns make Young top-paid assistant". ESPN.com. June 3, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  13. ↑ Jex, Tyson. "Byu Hires Kevin Young As Head Men's Basketball Coach". byucougars.com. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
  14. ↑ Harper, Mitch. "BYU's Kevin Young Will Finish His Phoenix Suns Job After NBA Playoffs Run". kslsports.com. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
  15. ↑ "BYU names Kevin Young as new men's basketball coach". Deseret News. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.