Lakers Legend Who Coached Kyrie Irving, Chris Paul Ready to Rival Master P for ASU Job

The Sun Devils’ next head coach might be closer than they think. Byron Scott put a cinematic twist on the search for Arizona State’s new men’s basketball coach by confirming he’s dropped his name in the hat. It isn’t just an imaginary suggestion. The Sun Devils legend himself has made a huge pitch to leverage his three-time NBA championship experience and done the legwork with the hopes of getting the job. His biggest competition though would be a rap star with limited basketball experience.

ASU just let go of Bobby Hurley after 11 seasons and is actively looking for his replacement. During an appearance on Open Mike, host Michael J. Babcock only asked if Scott would consider taking that job. Not only is the former NBA coach interested, but he’s already submitted a formal job application to his alma mater.

Scott broke his silence on the vacancy, declaring he has a “ton of interest” in returning to his alma mater. “You know, that’s my alma mater. Great university. I would love to have the opportunity to be the head coach at Arizona State University,” Scott said.

He revealed that this isn’t a sudden whim, but a move two years in the making. “I’ve been really talking about this for the last couple of years, about getting back into coaching on the collegiate level. So, this would be great for me.”

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) laughs with Lakers head coach Byron Scott during the second half of their NBA Basketball Herren USA game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center in Los Angeles, January 15, 2015. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 109-102. UPI/Jon SooHoo PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY LAX20150115613 JONxSOOHOO
Los Angeles Lakers Guard Kobe Bryant 24 laughs with Lakers Head Coach Byron Scott during The Second Half of their NBA Basketball men USA Game Against The Cleveland Cavaliers AT Staples Center in Los Angeles January 15 2015 The Cavaliers defeated The Lakers 109 102 UPI Jon SooHoo PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY

But he’s not the only one aiming for the job. Rap legend and current president of basketball operations at the University of New Orleans, Master P also declared his candidacy for the job. He recently challenged Shaquille O’Neal and Mike Bibby’s Sacramento Hornets squad to a friendly scrimmage.

A lesser-known fact is that Master P has the credentials. He coached youth basketball and if things went differently, he would’ve entered the NBA. He’s credited for developing NBA stars, Lance Stephenson, Brandon Jennings, and DeMar DeRozan in the AAU. Both his sons are college basketball players too.

So he’s nothing to be scoffed at. But Byron Scott comes with his own legendary resume.

Byron Scott is ticking all the boxes for Arizona State

Master P and Byron Scott’s public campaigns come at a volatile moment for the program, which is reeling from the most significant leadership change in over a decade. After a rollercoaster 11 seasons which included three NCAA Tournament appearances, Arizona State decided not to renew Bobby Hurley’s contract following a devastating 91–42 loss to Iowa State in the Big 12 tournament.

Social media noted that even Byron Scott was silent on Hurley’s dismissal after he struggled to maintain momentum in a rapidly shifting landscape and was quick to swoop in for the vacancy.

Byron Scott referred to his No. 11 jersey hanging in the rafters of Desert Financial Arena for the job reference. If that’s not enough, he framed his potential hiring as a homecoming as well as a strategic necessity to restore the program to its former glory.

In a cutthroat era of NIL and the transfer portal, Byron Scott is confident his 15 years as an NBA player and 18 years as a coach, including training superstars like Kyrie Irving in Cleveland and Chris Paul in New Orleans, uniquely qualify him to manage the modern athlete. 

“With a lot of these colleges now having NIL, you almost have to treat it like the NBA… My experience of being a coach for so many years, connecting with young people… I think I’m the perfect candidate,” he declared.

Athletic Director Graham Rossini already listed what he’s looking for. “I want somebody who is going to be excited to be the men’s basketball coach at Arizona State,” Rossini said. “Not a chance to be a Power 4 head coach. Not a chance to join the Big 12. How is their style, their background, their lived experiences a fit for what we need at this exact moment? That’s a very specific fit. There are a lot of coaches who are ready to have success in the Big 12. They’re ready for a move into this conference. That’s only half the equation.”

A Sun Devils alum with NBA success does meet that criteria. Meanwhile, Scott is already operating like he’s got the job. He’s been doing his homework for two years and already in talks with potential staff.

As Rossini has hired an external firm to build a strong candidate pool, Byron Scott is ready to walk into that interview and outdo Master P.

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