Just In: Washington Head Coach Joins Suns as Assistant Coach.
In a significant development for the Phoenix Suns, the team has hired former University of Washington head coach Mike Hopkins as an assistant coach, according to ESPN ¹. Hopkins, a two-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Suns’ coaching staff, which is undergoing a significant overhaul under new head coach Mike Budenholzer
Hopkins spent seven seasons at the helm of the University of Washington’s men’s basketball program, compiling a record of 122-110 and leading the team to a Pac-12 championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2019 ². Despite his success, Hopkins was fired after the 2023-24 season, and the Huskies have since joined the Big Ten Conference
Hopkins’ addition to the Suns’ coaching staff is seen as a significant coup for the team, which is looking to rebuild and contend in the highly competitive Western Conference. With his experience in developing players and his knowledge of the college game, Hopkins is expected to play a key role in the Suns’ player development and scouting efforts.
“I’m thrilled to join the Phoenix Suns organization,” Hopkins said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to working with Coach Budenholzer and the rest of the staff to help build a winning culture and develop our players
Hopkins’ hiring is the latest move in a significant overhaul of the Suns’ coaching staff. The team recently hired Budenholzer, a veteran coach with a championship pedigree, to replace Frank Vogel, who was fired after one season ³. The Suns have also added David Fizdale and Chad Forcier to their coaching staff, which is expected to be one of the most experienced and talented in the league
The Suns are coming off a disappointing season in which they failed to live up to expectations. Despite having a talented roster that included Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, the team struggled with injuries and consistency, finishing with a record of 49-33 and getting swept in the first round of the playoffs
With the additions of Budenholzer, Hopkins, Fizdale, and Forcier, the Suns are looking to build a winning culture and contend for a championship in the coming seasons. The team’s fans are excited about the prospects of the new coaching staff and the potential for the team to make a deep run in the playoffs.
In conclusion, the hiring of Mike Hopkins as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns is a significant development for the team. With his experience and expertise, Hopkins is expected to play a key role in the Suns’ player development and scouting efforts, and his addition is seen as a significant coup for the team. As the Suns look to build a winning culture and contend for a championship, Hopkins’ hiring is a move in the right direction.
