Advertisement - scroll for more content
Washburn’s collegiate days were as electric as they were turbulent. A high school phenom, he joined a stacked NC State squad that included Vinny Del Negro, Nate McMillan, Lorenzo Charles and Spud Webb.“I played with Spud my freshman year… during those 10 games we went 10-0,” said Washburn. “I got suspended for those little stereo pranks that I did and then they lost the next 7 games,” Washburn recalls. “Fast forward to my sophomore year, now we have Nate at the point guard, we have Vinny at the 2… me and Shackleford were the same size, so a lot of times he would guard the center and I would guard the forward… I really never watched sports on tv, I never knew how loaded we really were
Former UConn stars Ray Allen and Renee Montgomery have been named winners of the 2021 Mannie Jackson Award, presented annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for outstanding humanitarian efforts. Former North Carolina State standout and NBA coach and player Vinny Del Negro, who attended Suffield Academy, also received this year’s award. All three will be formally recognized in September, during the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend.
Christian Clark: Every NBA head coach Willie Green played for: Randy Ayers, Chris Ford, Jim O'Brien, Maurice Cheeks, Tony DiLeo, Eddie Jordan, Monty Williams, Larry Drew, Vinny Del Negro, Doc Rivers, Jacque Vaughn, James Borrego
Del Negro, a former NBA player who hasn't coached since being let go by the Clippers in 2013, has obviously been busy away from basketball lately, though. Sunday afternoon he won the American Century Championship at Tahoe, the annual golf event for entertainers and athletes. It has long been considered the top celebrity golf tournament.
Advertisement
Blazers considering Vinny Del Negro, Scott Brooks, Lionel Hollins for lead assistant role
Shams Charania: Sources: Candidates for lead assistant role for Portland Trail Blazers and new head coach Chauncey Billups: Former Bulls/Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro, ex-Wizards/Thunder coach Scott Brooks and Lakers assistant Lionel Hollins.
Vinny Del Negro: Every NBA team approaches their search for a head coach differently, and no two searches are the same. Here are a few things to consider or put into perspective when it comes to NBA teams’ coaching searches. Some teams ask you to draw up plays you’d run for their team on a chalkboard in the room before you even sit down. In some interviews, they just want to talk about your philosophies (as far as basketball and life in general). They might ask you what changes can be made to the roster. It all just depends on that team’s way of doing things.
Vinny Del Negro: My interview with the Chicago Bulls was much different than my interview with the Los Angeles Clippers. They were totally different situations, and other interviews I’ve been in were completely different than those. You’re never sure what’s going to happen until you walk into the interview. Sometimes, you don’t even know who’s going to be interviewing you. Sometimes, it’s just the front-office staff. Other times, the owner will be very involved. Some teams bring in their team psychologist, and they have a whole list of questions to ask you. They’re going to want to know what kind of leader you are, and they’re going to want examples -- not just of your successes, but of your failures as well. How did you adapt to change in these particular situations? How do you drown out the media noise? How will you work with the players and management? What is your overall level of commitment?
Vinny Del Negro: But it’s not just the decision-makers that you have to sell yourself to, it’s the players too. And you have to do that 24/7. You have to sell them on what you believe in if you want that give and take and if you want them to buy in. Also, you have to make them understand the standards that you’ve set for the team. Not every job is for every coach. Every coach has different standards, beliefs and teaching styles, and the team you’re interviewing with might not share the same philosophy. You really have to know what you’re getting into.
Advertisement
“We’re trying to help these young kids become better players,” Del Negro said of the close to 70 combine attendees. “Give them some knowledge and experience. I think the staff is doing a great job.” Kiki VanDeWeghe, the NBA’s vice president of basketball operations, asked Del Negro to serve as the combine director this year. The job involves overseeing coaches, helping assemble teams and formulating strategies.
Does Del Negro, who went a combined 210-184 in his five seasons with the Bulls and Clippers, want back in? “I love coaching. I love teaching,” he said. “There have been some opportunities I’ve looked at but they weren’t the right situation for me. I had two interesting situations when I coached. When things start to close, sometimes they open. When they open, they close quicker than you think. You just never know.”
Del Negro, who also has done some broadcasting since leaving the Clippers, loved watching Rose’s resurgence last season. “Just happy he’s back on the court and was productive last year and has a smile on his face,” Del Negro said. “These careers go by fast. Injuries happen. He’s had his difficult share, which has changed the trajectory of his career at times. But I really respect his perseverance and his attitude about coming back. It makes me very happy when I see him play.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement