The Phoenix Suns are strengthening their coaching staff with new additions, as Mike Budenholzer is enhancing the team’s future. Joining him next is former University of Washington Coach Mike Hopkins.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Pete Thamel, Hopkins has agreed to become an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns.
Hopkins, who spent seven seasons coaching the Huskies, brings over 30 years of experience in college basketball, including time as a player. Before his tenure at Washington, he spent 22 years working with Jim Boeheim at Syracuse.
At 54, Hopkins boasts a 122-110 record at Washington, earning PAC-12 Coach of the Year honors twice, leading the Huskies to a 2019 conference title, and securing an NCAA tournament bid. He also coached future first-overall pick Markelle Fultz in his first year as head coach.
ESPN Sources with @Petethamel: Former University of Washington coach Mike Hopkins — a two-time Pac-12 coach of the year — has agreed on a deal to become an assistant for the Phoenix Suns. Hopkins joins Mike Budenholzer’s new staff after three decades in college basketball. pic.twitter.com/GPKdKOXn4B
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 11, 2024
Hopkins’ NBA experience includes time with the USA Basketball coaching staff. He was named co-coach of the USA Basketball Select Team in 2012, helping prepare the team for the London Olympics, where he served as a court coach during their gold medal win. More recently, he contributed to gold medal victories at the 2014 World Championships and the 2016 Summer Olympics.