Kansas hires former Jayhawks star Jacque Vaughn as assistant coach
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) - Former Kansas basketball star Jacque Vaughn is reing the program as an assistant coach.
Vaughn, who spent more than five years as a head coach in the NBA with the Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets, comes to Kansas after longtime assistant Norm Roberts announced his retirement two weeks ago.
“We’re very excited to welcome Jacque and (his wife) Laura into the fold,” said KU head coach Bill Self in a release from the university. “I’ve known Jacque from a distance for several years now and have always ired how he has conducted himself professionally and how he has treated people.
“I think he will be an excellent addition to our program, while also serving as a great mentor, coach and representative of Kansas basketball. We lost an awesome coach in Norm when he retired but feel very fortunate to have replaced him with a tremendous Jayhawks that has a unique and impressive resume.”
During his time at Kansas from 1993-1997, Vaughn became KU’s all-time assists leader. He now ranks third all-time on that list. The Los Angeles, California, native was also a second-team All-American as a senior and has his No. 11 jersey retired at Allen Fieldhouse.
In 1996, he was the Big Eight Player of the Year.
“I’m truly honored and overwhelmed with excitement to return to my alma mater and Coach Self’s staff as an assistant coach,” Vaughn said. “The game of basketball has provided me the incredible privilege to mentor, coach, and compete alongside some of the best in the game. I couldn’t up the opportunity to bring those experiences back to the school that means so much to me. It’s a blessing to once again be part of the Jayhawk tradition.”
Vaughn spent time as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs from 2010 to 2012 and was named head coach of the Magic in July 2012. He coached NBA All-Stars Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, DeAndre Jordan, Ben Simmons and Victor Oladipo during his time in the league.
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