Damon Stoudamire's road back to the Arizona Wildcats
Former Arizona Wildcats star Damon Stoudamire is returning to the UA — as an assistant coach. Stoudamire's former boss, Josh Pastner, confirmed the news to the Star May 5, and UA officials have now made the announcement. It's been 18 years since Stoudamire left Tucson for the NBA. Here's a look at his career and his return.
Damon Stoudamire returns to Arizona
Head coach Sean Miller answers questions about hiring Damon Stoudamire, a former Arizona basketball player, as a coach during a press conference at McKale Center. Friday May 17, 2013.
UA star
Stoudamire left the UA for the NBA in 1995 as one of the most accomplished players in program history. He led the program to the Final Four as a junior, and average 22.8 points per game as a senior.
A top pick
The Toronto Raptors selected Stoudamire with the 5th overall pick in the 1995 draft. Stoudamire was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1996.
A budding star
Stoudamire's rookie success made him a household name. Above, Stoudamire visits Japan with Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls, Charles Barkley of the Houston Rockets and Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks in 1996.
Heading home
The Raptors traded Stoudamire to his hometown team, the Portland Trailblazers, in 1998. He spent seven seasons with the Western Conference team.
To the Grizzlies
Stoudamire signed a free-agent contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2005.
Stoudamire calls it a career
Stoudamire played his final NBA season, 2007-08, with the Spurs. After a brief time away, he joined University of Memphis coach Josh Pastner's staff. Stoudamire made a reported $99 million dollars playing basketball.
Damon Stoudamire returns to Arizona
Former head coach Lute Olson talks with reporters after a press conference at McKale Center. Olson came to McKale to watch Damon Stoudamire give a press conference about his return to Arizona as a coach. Friday May 17, 2013.
Damon Stoudamire returns to Arizona
Damon Stoudamire, center, receives a hug from former head coach Lute Olson as Olson's wife, Kelly Olson, right, looks on during a press conference at McKale Center. Olson came to McKale to watch Stoudamire give a press conference about his return to Arizona as a coach. Friday May 17, 2013.
Damon Stoudamire returns to Arizona
Former head coach Lute Olson, Damon Stoudamire and Olson's wife, Kelly Olson, joke around following a press conference at McKale Center. Olson came to McKale to watch Stoudamire give a press conference about his return to Arizona as a coach. Friday May 17, 2013.
Damon Stoudamire returns to Arizona
Damon Stoudamire during a press conference at McKale Center. Friday May 17, 2013.
Former Arizona standout Damon Stoudamire is leaving Memphis to return to the Wildcats as an assistant coach, Memphis coach Josh Pastner said t…
Former Arizona standout Damon Stoudamire is leaving Memphis to return to the Wildcats as an assistant coach, Memphis coach Josh Pastner said S…
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On StarNet: Keep up with the Wildcats' basketball team with Bruce Pascoe's blog at: azstarnet.com/pascoe
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