Kansas Hires Jacque Vaughn : Kansas Basketball Has Hires Jacque Vaughn As An Assistant Coach Under Bill Self, Bringing NBA Experience to Mentor Darren Peterson and Revitalize Offensive Strategies to
The Kansas Jayhawks have made a significant addition to their men’s basketball coaching staff by hiring former NBA head coach and Kansas legend Jacque Vaughn as an assistant coach under Bill Self. This move brings Vaughn back to his alma mater, where he played from 1993 to 1997 and earned accolades such as Big Eight Player of the Year in 1996 and second-team All-American honors in 1996 and 1997. His jersey, No. 11, hangs in the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse, a testament to his impact on the program.
Vaughn’s return comes after a distinguished NBA career, both as a player and coach. He played 12 seasons in the NBA, winning a championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2007. Transitioning to coaching, Vaughn served as head coach for the Orlando Magic and the Brooklyn Nets, amassing over 350 games of head coaching experience. His extensive NBA background is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to the Jayhawks’ coaching staff.
One of the key beneficiaries of Vaughn’s hiring is incoming freshman Darryn Peterson, a highly touted five-star recruit. Peterson, who has expressed excitement about Vaughn’s addition to the staff, is anticipated to be a one-and-done player with aspirations for the NBA. Vaughn’s experience coaching NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving will be invaluable in mentoring Peterson and preparing him for the professional level.
The hiring also signals a strategic move by Kansas to revitalize its offensive strategies. With Vaughn’s NBA experience, particularly in developing guard play and offensive schemes, the Jayhawks aim to enhance their performance and adapt to the evolving dynamics of college basketball. His insights are expected to complement Coach Self’s system and contribute to the team’s overall success.
Vaughn replaces Norm Roberts, who retired after a long and successful coaching career. Coach Self expressed enthusiasm about Vaughn’s return, stating, “We’re very excited to welcome Jacque and [his wife] Laura into the fold. I think he will be an excellent addition to our program, while also serving as a great mentor, coach, and representative of Kansas basketball.”
