Tucson Basketball is a beloved sport that has been a part of the city’s culture for many years. It is a way for the community to come together and show their love for the game, whether it is playing, coaching, or just attending a game as a fan. The city has seen some of the best basketball players in the world, from the legendary Sean Elliott to the current star, Deandre Ayton.
Tucson is known for its vibrant basketball culture and its ability to produce some of the most talented players in the world. From high school basketball to the collegiate level, Tucson basketball is something that the entire city can be proud of.
1. Sean Elliott
Small forward
Career
- High school: Cholla (Tucson, Arizona)
- College: Arizona (1985–1989)
- NBA draft 1989 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
- Selected by the San Antonio Spurs
- Playing career: 1989–2001
- Position: Small forward
- Number: 32
- 1989–1993: San Antonio Spurs
- 1993–1994: Detroit Pistons
- 1994–2001: San Antonio Spurs
- NBA champion (1999), 2× NBA All-Star (1993, 1996), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1990), No. 32 retired by San Antonio Spurs, John R. Wooden Award (1989), Adolph Rupp Trophy (1989), NABC Player of the Year (1989), AP Player of the Year (1989), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1988, 1989), 2× Pac-10 Player of the Year (1988, 1989), 3× First-team All-Pac-10 (1987–1989), 2× Pac-10 tournament MVP (1988, 1989), Pac-10 Freshman of the Year (1986), No. 32 retired by Arizona Wildcats, McDonald's All-American (1985)
- Points: 10,544 (14.2 ppg)
- Rebounds: 3,204 (4.3 rpg)
- Assists: 1,897 (2.6 apg)
- College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2018
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing United States, FIBA World Championship, : 1986 Spain: National team, Summer Universiade, : 1987 Zagreb: National team
- Men's basketball
- Representing United States
- FIBA World Championship
- : 1986 Spain: National team
- Summer Universiade
- : 1987 Zagreb: National team
Elliott was drafted 3rd overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 1989 NBA Draft. He played for the San Antonio Spurs from 1989 to 2001. He is best known for his time with the Spurs, where he was a key player.
Elliott is a two-time All-Star, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1997. He retired from the NBA in 2001. Elliott has since worked as a basketball coach. In 2008, he started a basketball clinic in Tucson, Arizona.
He is married and has three children. Elliott is a popular figure in basketball, and is known for his skills on the court and as a coach. Elliott was a two-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-Rookie Second Team selection.
Wooden Award winner as the best player in the Pac-10 conference in 1989. Elliott was also a prolific scorer, averaging over 14 points per game throughout his career. Elliott went on to play for the San Antonio Spurs, where he was later honoured with a No.
Also Played For: san antonio spurs, arizona wildcats men's basketball
2. Tommy Lloyd
Career
- 1993–1995: Walla Walla CC
- 1995–1996: CSU–Pueblo
- 1996–1998: Whitman
- 2001–2021: Gonzaga (assistant)
- 2021–present: Arizona
- 2000–2001: Gonzaga (admin. asst.)
Lloyd has been the head coach of Arizona since the start of the 2021 season. In his first two seasons, he has led the Wildcats to a 52-7 record, good for .881 winning percentage.
Lloyd played college basketball at Whitman before coaching at Gonzaga. Lloyd is a strong defensive coach and his teams have ranked in the top 10 in the Pac-12 in both defensive efficiency and turnover percentage.
Arizona is one of the top teams in the country and has a legitimate shot at making it to the NCAA Tournament this year. Lloyd is one of the most successful coaches in Gonzaga history and he is certainly one of the most promising young coaches in the country.
Lloyd is a great teacher and he is known for his ability to develop players both on and off the court. Lloyd is a natural leader and he has a lot of experience coaching at the Division I level. Lloyd is a great recruiter and he has been able to bring in some of the best players in the country to Arizona.
Lloyd is a very passionate coach and he is always looking to improve his team's performance.
3. Bob Elliott
Career
- 1977–1978: Fernet Tonic Bologna
- 1978–1982: New Jersey Nets
- 1982–1983: Detroit Spirits
Bob Elliott played for the Philadelphia 76ers from 1977 to 1983. He was known for his strong defence and rebounding. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.
He later worked as a broadcaster for the 76ers, TNT, and ESPN. Elliott was married to Connie Hawkins, with whom he had two children. He died in 2016 at the age of 67. Elliott was a two-time First-team All-WAC selection and played in the NBA for three seasons.
He was a powerful center who could score inside and out. Elliott was a beloved figure in his home state of Utah, where he was a key player in the Jazz's two championship seasons.
Elliott later worked as a commentator for the Jazz and other teams. Elliott is a member of the Utah Sports Hall of Fame and the Utah Basketball Hall of Fame.
He is currently a television analyst for the Jazz. Elliott is a beloved figure in Utah and is often called upon to give his insights during playoff games.
Elliott is a Utah icon and will always be remembered for his time spent with the Jazz. Elliott is a beloved figure in the state of Utah and is often called upon to give his insights during playoff games.
Also Played For: michigan high school basketball
4. Reggie Geary
Career
- High school: Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California)
- College: Arizona (1992–1996)
- NBA draft 1996 / Round: 2 / Pick: 56th overall
- Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
- Playing career: 1996–2004
- Position: Point guard
- Number: 2, 4
- Coaching career: 2007–present
- First-team All-Pac-10 (1996)
- Points: 209 (2.1 ppg)
- Assists: 110 (1.1 apg)
Geary was drafted in the second round of the 1996 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Geary played for the Cavaliers for four seasons before being traded to the Golden State Warriors in 2001.
Geary played two seasons with the Warriors before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2003. Geary spent the final six seasons of his playing career with the Blazers. Geary retired from the NBA in 2004.
Geary has since spent time as a coach with the Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings, and New Orleans Pelicans. Geary was inducted into the Cleveland Cavaliers Hall of Fame in 2017. Reggie Geary was a point guard who played in the NBA for six seasons.
He was drafted in the second round of the 1996 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Geary played for the Cavaliers for four seasons before being traded to the Golden State Warriors in 2001. Geary played two seasons with the Warriors before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2003.
Geary spent the final six seasons of his playing career with the Blazers. Geary retired from the NBA in 2004. Geary has since spent time as a coach with the Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings, and New Orleans Pelicans. Geary was inducted into the Cleveland Cavaliers Hall of Fame in 2017.
Also Played For: mater dei basketball
5. Lute Olson
Career
- 1953–1956: Augsburg
- 1956–1957: Mahnomen HS (MN)
- 1957–1961: Two Harbors HS (MN)
- 1962–1963: Western HS (CA) (assistant)
- 1963–1964: Loara HS (CA)
- 1964–1969: Marina HS (CA)
- 1969–1973: Long Beach CC
- 1973–1974: Long Beach State
- 1974–1983: Iowa
- 1983–2008: Arizona
Olson was born on September 22, 1934, in Mayville, North Dakota. Olson played basketball for Augsburg College from 1953 to 1956. Olson then became an assistant coach at Mahnomen High School in Mahnomen, Minnesota from 1956 to 1957.
Olson then served as the head coach of Western High School in California from 1963 to 1964. Olson then became the head coach of Marina High School in California from 1969 to 1973. Olson then became the head coach of Long Beach City College in Long Beach, California from 1973 to 1974.
Olson then became the head coach of Iowa State University from 1974 to 1983. Olson then became the head coach of Arizona from 1983 to 2008.
Olson died on August 27, 2020, at the age of 85. Olson is one of the most successful head coaches in NCAA history, compiling a record of 781-280 (.685) in 28 seasons at the collegiate level.
Olson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002 and the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. Olson led the Wildcats to seven NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four berth in 1997.
Olson is a nine-time Pac-10 Coach of the Year and four-time Big Ten Coach of the Year. Olson retired from coaching following the 2011-12 season.
6. Bryce Cotton
Career
- High school: Palo Verde (Tucson, Arizona)
- College: Providence (2010–2014)
- NBA draft: 2014 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2014–present
- 2014–2015: Austin Spurs
- 2015: Utah Jazz
- 2015–2016: Austin Spurs
- 2015–2016: Phoenix Suns
- 2016: Xinjiang Flying Tigers
- 2016: Memphis Grizzlies
- 2016: Anadolu Efes
- 2017–present: Perth Wildcats
- 2018: Brescia Leonessa
- 3× NBL champion (2017, 2019, 2020), NBL Cup winner (2021), 2× NBL Grand Final MVP (2017, 2020), 3× NBL Most Valuable Player (2018, 2020, 2021), 2× NBL Fans MVP (2019, 2021), 5× All-NBL First Team (2018–2022), 5× NBL scoring champion (2017, 2019–2022), NBA D-League All-Star (2015), All-NBA D-League Second Team (2015), NBA D-League All-Rookie First Team (2015), 2× First-team All-Big East (2013, 2014), Big East tournament MVP (2014)
Bryce Cotton played college basketball at Providence, where he was a two-time All-Big East selection. Cotton was undrafted in the 2014 NBA draft, but was signed by the Austin Spurs.
Cotton was traded to the Utah Jazz in 2015, and he has played for them since. Cotton is a two-time NBL All-Star, and he is regarded as one of the best shooting guards in the league. Cotton is set to join the Perth Wildcats for the 2022 season.
Bryce Cotton is a 3-time NBA D-League All-Star and 2-time NBL MVP. Cotton has also won an NBL Cup and been a part of 3 championship teams. His versatility has seen him play both small forward and shooting guard positions. Cotton is a scoring threat from anywhere on the court and is an excellent passer.
With his contract with the Perth Wildcats set to expire at the end of the season, Cotton is expected to attract interest from the NBA.
Also Played For: perth wildcats, providence friars men's basketball
7. Terrell Stoglin
Career
- High school: Santa Rita (Tucson, Arizona)
- College: Maryland (2010–2012)
- NBA draft: 2012 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2012–present
- 2012–2013: Ilysiakos
- 2013–2014: Cholet
- 2014: Azovmash Mariupol
- 2014: Stelmet Zielona Góra
- 2014: Pallacanestro Varese
- 2014–2015: Club Sagesse
- 2015–2016: Adanaspor
- 2016–2017: Club Sagesse
- 2017: Hunan
- 2018: Al Rayan
- 2018: Manama Bahrain
- 2018: Trotamundos de Carabobo
- 2018–2019: Zamalek
- 2020–2021: Al-Ahli Jeddah
- 2021: AS Salé
- 2021: Al Shorta
- 2022: AS Salé
- 2022: Al-Nasr Benghazi
- 2022–present: Al-Ittihad Aleppo
- 2023–present: AS Douanes
- All-BAL First Team (2022), 2× BAL scoring champion (2021, 2022), Moroccan League champion (2021), Egyptian Super League champion (2019), Egyptian League MVP (2019), Second-team All-ACC (2012), ACC All-Freshman team (2011)
Terrell Stoglin played college basketball for Maryland from 2010-2012. He was undrafted in the 2012 NBA Draft but played in the Greek League for Ilysiakos in 2012-2013.
He then played for Cholet in France from 2013-2014. In January 2015, he signed with the Atlanta Hawks. He averaged 4.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 26.0 minutes per game in his rookie season.
In the 2016-2017 season, he averaged 8.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 32.1 minutes per game. He became a free agent in the offseason and signed with the Brooklyn Nets on July 6, 2017. He averaged 10.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 37.1 minutes per game in the 2017-2018 season.
He is currently a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. Terrell Stoglin is a professional basketball player who has played for a number of teams in Europe and the Americas.
He has also represented the United States at the international level. He is a versatile player who can play both inside and outside of the court.
He has won a number of awards, including the Eurobasket Player of the Year title in 2014. He is currently signed to Al-Ittihad Aleppo in Syria.
8. Perry Moss
Career
- High school: Amherst Regional, (Amherst, Massachusetts)
- College: Northeastern (1978–1982)
- NBA draft 1982 / Round: 3 / Pick: 69th overall
- Selected by the Boston Celtics
- Playing career: 1982–1989
- Position: Point guard
- Number: 2, 9, 10
- 1982–1983: Maine Lumberjacks
- 1983–1984: Bay State Bombardiers
- 1985: Tampa Bay Thrillers
- 1985: Washington Bullets
- 1985–1986: Philadelphia 76ers
- 1986–1987: Golden State Warriors
- 1987–1988: Pensacola Tornados
- 1988: La Crosse Catbirds
- 1989: Topeka Sizzlers
- ECAC North Player of the Year (1982), 2× ECAC North tournament MVP (1981, 1982)
Perry Moss was born on November 11, 1958 in Tucson, Arizona. Moss played high school basketball at Amherst Regional before attending Northeastern. Moss was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the 1982 NBA draft.
He played for the team from 1982 to 1989. Moss is best known for his time with the Celtics, where he averaged 12.5 points per game. Moss has since retired from basketball and currently lives in Tucson, Arizona.
Perry Moss was a two-time ECAC North Player of the Year and an All-American at Syracuse. He was drafted in the first round of the 1985 NBA draft by the Washington Bullets, but never played in the league.
He played in the NBA Development League for the Bay State Bombardiers, Tampa Bay Thrillers and Philadelphia 76ers.
He then played in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A for the Pescara Tornados and La Crosse Catbirds. He retired in 1998 after a stint in the Russian Superleague with the Khimki Moscow Meteors.
Moss has since worked as a basketball coach at Syracuse and Hofstra. He is currently the head coach of the Division III SUNY Cortland Red Dragons. Moss was inducted into the Syracuse Hall of Fame in 2012. He is married and has two children.
9. Anthony Pedroza
Anthony Pedroza is a Mexican-American professional basketball player who has played internationally for France, Croatia, Bosnia, and the NBA. In Mexico, he played with Soles de Mexicali in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional.
He is a 6'3" Guard who has a strong shooting and passing game. Anthony is a hard worker who is always looking to improve his game. He is a valuable member of any team, and is always looking to contribute. Anthony is a team player who is always looking to help his team succeed.
He is a natural leader, and always looks to set an example for his teammates. Anthony is a skilled player who can score in a variety of ways.
Anthony is a valuable member of any team, and is always looking to contribute. Anthony Pedroza was born on January 30, 1991 in Mexico City, Mexico.
Anthony is a member of the Mexico national basketball team and has played with them since 2011. He has also played for the Mexico City Mavericks and the Tecos de Mexico. Anthony is a versatile player who can play both on the perimeter and in the post.
He is considered one of the best young players in Mexico and is expected to continue to improve over the coming years. Anthony is a hard worker and is always looking to improve his game. He is a natural scorer and has a high basketball IQ.
Anthony is someone who is always looking to contribute to the team, both on and off the court. Anthony is a player who is looking to take his game to the next level and continue to make a name for himself in the basketball world.
10. Matt Brase
Career
- High school: Catalina Foothills, (Catalina Foothills, Arizona)
- College: Central Arizona (2001–2003), Arizona (2003–2005)
- NBA draft: 2007 / Undrafted
- Position: Forward
- Coaching career: 2008–present
- NBA D-League champion (2013)
Matt Brase was a standout high school player in Arizona, and was a top recruit coming out of Central Arizona in 2003. After a year at Arizona, he was not selected in the 2003 NBA Draft, but was signed by the Phoenix Suns as an undrafted free agent.
He spent two years with the Suns, before being traded to the Boston Celtics in 2005. He played two more years in the NBA before retiring in 2007.
Brase has since embarked on a successful career in coaching, first with the Italian team Pallacanestro Varese, and then with the Spanish team CB Gran Canaria.
In 2012, he took over as head coach of the American team the Memphis Grizzlies. In 2016, he was named head coach of the Slovenian team LKK Zlatorog.
He has led the team to the Slovenian League title, and they are currently playing in the Eurocup. Matt Brase is currently the head coach of the Slovenian national team.
11. Lester Medford
Career
- High school: Amphitheater (Tucson, Arizona)
- College: , Indian Hills CC (2012–2014), Baylor (2014–2016)
- NBA draft: 2016 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2016–present
- 2016–2017: Falco Szombathely
- 2017: Lions de Genève
- 2017–2018: Nevėžis
- 2018–2019: MZT Skopje
- 2019–2020: VEF Rīga
- 2020: Start Lublin
- 2020–2021: Legia Warszawa
- 2021–present: Umana San Giobbe Chiusi
- North Macedonia League champion (2019), 1× Latvian League champion (2020)
Lester Medford was born on May 24, 1993 in Tucson, Arizona. He played high school basketball at Amphitheater in Tucson. Medford played college basketball for Indian Hills CC and Baylor.
Medford played in the Serie A2 for Umana San Giobbe Chiusi this season. He is a point guard and is listed at 5' 10" and 175 lbs. Medford has played in 10 games this season for Umana San Giobbe Chiusi, averaging 6.5 points and 3.8 assists per game.
Medford is currently playing in the Serie A2 for Umana San Giobbe Chiusi. Medford is hoping to make the jump to the Serie A1 or Serie A2 next season.
Lester Medford is an American point guard who has played for Indian Hills CC and Baylor. Lester Medford is an undrafted player who has played for a number of clubs in Europe.
He played for Falco Szombathely in the 2016–2017 season and helped the club win the North Macedonia League. He then moved to Lions de Genève in the 2017–2018 season and helped the club win the Swiss League.
He then moved to Nevėžis in the 2018–2019 season and helped the club win the Lithuanian League. In the 2019–2020 season, he joined MZT Skopje and helped the club win the Macedonian League.
He then moved to VEF Rīga in the 2020–21 season and helped the club win the Latvian League. He then joined Start Lublin in the 2020–21 season and helped the club win the Polish League.
He then moved to Umana San Giobbe Chiusi in the 2021–22 season and helped the club win the Italian League. He then moved to Legia Warszawa in the 2021–22 season and helped the club win the Polish League.
12. Shakir Smith
Career
- High school: Tucson (Tucson, Arizona)
- College: , Wyoming (2011–2012), Pima CC (2012–2013), Adams State (2014–2016)
- NBA draft: 2016 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2016–present
- Position: Guard
- 2016–2018: Academic Bultex
- 2018: Blokotehna
- 2018–2019: Norrköping
- 2019: AV Ohrid
- 2019–2020: Academic Bultex
- 2020–2021: Sporting CP
- 2021: ÍR
Shakir Smith is an American professional basketball player. Smith played college basketball for Wyoming and Adams State. He was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic.
Smith has represented the United States at the FIBA AmeriCup and the U-19 World Cup. Smith is a versatile player who can play both shooting guard and small forward positions. Smith is a strong defender who can block shots and rebound.
Smith is a hard worker who takes pride in his play. Smith is hoping to develop his offensive skills and play in the NBA for a long time. Smith is a popular player with his fans who enjoy his positive attitude and hard work on the court.
Shakir Smith is a guard who played college basketball for Academic Bultex. Shakir Smith is Undrafted but has played in the NBA D-League and overseas. Shakir Smith is a two-time Academic Bultex Player of the Year. Shakir Smith is a guard who is best known for his defensive abilities.
Shakir Smith is a hard worker who is always looking to improve his game. Shakir Smith is a student of the game who is always looking to learn more. Shakir Smith is a humble player who is always looking to help his team. Shakir Smith is a leader on and off the court.
Shakir Smith is a dedicated player who is always looking to give his all.
13. Yusuf Shehata
Career
- High school: Amphitheater High School, (Tucson, Arizona)
- College: Bellevue (2015–2016), Point Loma (2016–2018)
- 2019–present: Sporting Alexandria
Yusuf Shehata is a young, up-and-coming point guard in the Egyptian Basketball Super League. He is currently playing for Sporting Alexandria. He was born in Arizona in 1996, but grew up in Egypt.
He has played for several youth teams in Egypt, and made his professional debut in the Egyptian Basketball Super League in 2016. Shehata is a versatile player, who is able to play both point guard and shooting guard positions.
He has a strong shooting percentage, and is known for his accurate passing. Shehata is a hard worker, and is determined to improve his skills. He has represented Egypt at the youth level, and is looking to continue his successful career in the Egyptian Basketball Super League.
Shehata is a talented player, and is sure to continue to improve in the future.
14. Mark Sanchez
Kapfenberg Bulls
Career
- High school: Desert View (Tucson, Arizona)
- College: Pima CC (2005–2007), Boise State (2007–2009)
- NBA draft: 2009 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2009–2015
- Position: Power forward / Small forward
- Number: 5, 6, 10, 43
- 2009: Hapoel Holon
- 2009–2010: Lobos Grises UAD
- 2010–2012: Aris Leeuwarden
- 2012–2014: Kapfenberg Bulls
- 2014: ALM Évreux
- 2014–2015: Donar
- Austrian League MVP (2014), Austrian Cup champion (2014), Austrian Cup MVP (2014), 2x DBL All-Star (2011, 2015), All-DBL Team (2015), Dutch Cup champion (2015)
Mark Sanchez was drafted by the New York Jets in the 2009 NBA draft, but did not play in the league. In 2009, Sanchez played for the Aris Leeuwarden of the Dutch Basketball League.
After playing for the Jets for two seasons, Sanchez was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011. Sanchez spent three seasons with the Eagles, before being traded to the New York Jets in 2013.
Sanchez spent two seasons with the Jets, before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015. Sanchez retired from professional basketball in 2016. Sanchez was born in Tucson, Arizona. Sanchez played college basketball at Pima CC.
Sanchez has played in the NBA for the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, and now retired from professional basketball.
Sanchez was drafted by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Sanchez played for three teams in his four-year career- the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers.
Sanchez was cut by the 49ers in 2013, and signed with the New York Jets the following year. Sanchez was traded to the Eagles in 2015, and was cut by the Eagles in 2016.
Sanchez was signed by the San Francisco 49ers in the offseason, but was cut in September. Sanchez signed with the Cleveland Browns in December, but was cut in May.
Sanchez was signed by the New York Giants in May, and was cut in August. Sanchez signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in August, and was cut in September. Sanchez was signed by the New York Jets in December, and is their starting quarterback.
15. Aaron Anderson
Kennesaw State Owls men's basketball
Career
- High school: Mountain View (Marana, Arizona)
- College: , Central Arizona (2009–2010), Kennesaw State (2010–2013)
- NBA draft: 2013 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2013–present
- Position: Forward
- 2013–2014: CAB Madeira
- 2014–2016,, 2017–2018: Södertälje Kings
- 2× Swedish champion (2015, 2016), LPB reabounding leader (2014)
Aaron Anderson was born on June 10, 1991 in Tucson, Arizona. He attended high school at Mountain View in Marana, Arizona. He then attended Central Arizona University, where he played football and basketball.
He transferred to Kennesaw State, where he played football for two seasons. He then transferred to Arizona State, where he played football for one season. He is currently a free agent and is looking to play in the NFL.
He is 6'7" and weighs 220 pounds. He has played football at various levels, including high school, college, and professional. He is currently a free agent and is looking to play in the NFL. Aaron Anderson is a forward who played college basketball at Cabrini College.
After playing one season at Cabrini College, he transferred to Södertälje Kings in Sweden. Aaron Anderson has played for Södertälje Kings since 2014. In 2016, he won the Swedish championship with Södertälje Kings. Aaron Anderson has also played for the Swedish national team.
Aaron Anderson is a strong rebounder, and he is also a good shooter. He is expected to be drafted in the NBA draft this year, but he has not been selected yet.
Aaron Anderson is a very good player, and he is expected to have a successful career in the NBA. Aaron Anderson is a very good player, and he is expected to have a successful career in the NBA.
16. Dave Feitl
Career
- High school: Santa Rita (Tucson, Arizona)
- College: UTEP (1982–1986)
- NBA draft 1986 / Round: 2 / Pick: 43rd overall
- Selected by the Houston Rockets
- Playing career: 1986–1996
- Position: Center
- Number: 5, 22, 45
- 1986–1987: Houston Rockets
- 1987–1988: Golden State Warriors
- 1988–1989: Washington Bullets
- 1989–1990: Arimo Bologna
- 1990–1991: Houston Rockets
- 1991–1992: New Jersey Nets
- 1995–1996: Chicago Rockers
- First-team All-WAC (1986), 2× Second-team All-WAC (1983, 1985)
- Points: 1,192 (4.3 ppg)
Dave Feitl was born on June 8, 1962, in Butler, Pennsylvania. Feitl played college basketball at UTEP and was drafted by the Houston Rockets in the 1986 NBA draft.
Feitl played in the NBA for 11 seasons, most notably with the Rockets and the Miami Heat. Feitl is a two-time All-Star and won a championship with the Heat in 2006.
Feitl announced his retirement from the NBA in 2007. Feitl is currently an assistant coach with the Rockets. Feitl has also been a commentator for NBA games and is a regular on various NBA-related podcasts.
Feitl is married and has two children. Dave Feitl is one of the most successful players in Houston Rockets history, and is considered to be one of the greatest center-forwards in NBA history.
Dave Feitl played basketball for the Houston Rockets from 1986 to 1987 and the Golden State Warriors from 1987 to 1988.
He was a second-team All-WAC selection in both 1983 and 1985. Feitl played in Italy for Arimo Bologna from 1990 to 1991 and then in the NBA for the Houston Rockets from 1991 to 1992.
He retired from professional basketball in 1996. Dave Feitl averaged 4.3 points per game in his NBA career. Feitl is a graduate of UC Santa Barbara.
He currently resides in the Bay Area. Dave Feitl is the father of three children. Dave Feitl is currently a basketball coach at a high school in the Bay Area.
17. Jack Murphy
Career
- 2006–2009: Denver Nuggets (assistant)
- 2009–2012: Memphis (assistant)
- 2012–2019: Northern Arizona
- 2019–present: Arizona (assoc. HC)
- 2006: Arizona (dir. of operations)
Murphy is in his fifth season as associate head coach at Arizona. He joined the Wildcats staff in 2009 as defensive backs coach. Murphy has also been the recruiting coordinator and defensive backs coach at UNLV.
Murphy was the defensive coordinator at San Diego State from 2006-08. Murphy has also been a defensive backs coach at Boise State, Wyoming and Arizona State. He was the defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Hawaii from 2004-06.
Murphy was the defensive coordinator at Southern Utah from 2002-03. Murphy was the defensive backs coach at Northern Arizona from 2001-02. Murphy was the defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator at Foothill College from 2000-01.
Murphy is a former assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies. Murphy was most recently the assistant coach for the Northern Arizona Suns.
Murphy is also the current associate head coach for the Arizona Wildcats. Murphy has a record of 78 wins and 149 losses as an assistant coach.
Murphy is considered to be a top assistant coach in the NBA. Murphy is a native of Phoenix, Arizona. Murphy played college basketball at Northern Arizona. Murphy is married and has two children. Murphy is a highly respected assistant coach in the NBA.
18. Herman Harris
Career
- High school: Chester (Chester, Pennsylvania)
- College: Arizona (1973–1977)
- NBA draft 1977 / Round: 2 / Pick: 43rd overall
- Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
- Position: Guard
- 1977–1978: Anchorage Northern Knights
- 1978–1979: Montana Sky
- 1979–1980: SSV Hagen
- First-team All-WAC (1977), Fourth-team Parade All-American (1973)
Herman Harris was born in Chester, Pennsylvania in December 1953. Harris attended high school in Chester and played college basketball for Arizona. Harris was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1977 NBA draft and played for the team for four seasons.
Harris was a versatile player and was able to play both forward and center. Harris retired from professional basketball in 1981 and later became a coach. Harris is currently a coach for the Chester High School varsity basketball team.
Harris has served as the head coach of the Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team and the Arizona Cardinals men's basketball team.
Harris is a two-time NBA Coach of the Year winner. Harris is currently the head coach of the Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team. Herman Harris was a two-time first-team All-WAC player at the University of Montana.
Harris was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the fourth round of the 1979 NBA draft. Harris played three seasons with the Sixers, averaging 3.5 points and 2.0 rebounds per game.
Harris was traded to the Denver Nuggets in 1983 and played with them for two seasons. Harris then signed with the Seattle SuperSonics and played with them for one season. Harris retired from professional basketball in 1984.
Harris has since worked as a basketball coach at various schools. Harris was inducted into the University of Montana's Hall of Fame in 2006.
Harris is most remembered for his time with the Anchorage Northern Knights of the WAC, where he led the team to the conference championship in 1977.
19. Mo Udall
Mo Udall was a long-time legislator in the United States House of Representatives, serving as chairman of the House Interior Committee during his final years in office.
Mo Udall was born in 1922 in St. Johns, Arizona, and grew up in the nearby town of Prescott. After attending the University of Arizona, Udall served in the United States Navy during World War II.
Udall returned to Arizona to study law, and was admitted to the bar in 1947. Udall began his political career by running for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1960, and was elected to represent Arizona's 2nd district.
Udall served in the House of Representatives for nearly 20 years, retiring in 1991. Mo Udall was a prominent advocate for conservation and environmentalism during his time in office, and was widely considered one of the most influential members of the House of Representatives.
Mo Udall died in 1998 at the age of 76, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimers Disease.
Final Words
Tucson Basketball is a beloved sport that has been a part of the city’s culture for many years. Some of the best players in the history of the sport are players from Tucson.
These players have helped the Tucson Blazers win numerous championships, and have been instrumental in the city’s love for basketball.
