Former ballers Edney, Paulus take management jobs
One of UCLA’s biggest stars is returning to the program.
The Bruins announced on Monday that Tyus Edney has been hired as director of men’s basketball operations. The former point guard first joined the program in 1991 and was a three-year starter for the Bruins from ’92 to ’95.
"He's a Bruin through and through having graduated from UCLA and brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to the program," said head coach Bob Howland in a news release announcing the hiring.
Edney is perhaps best well known for his heroics in the 1995 NCAA tournament. Down by one in a second-round match-up against Missouri, Edney’s full court run with 4.8 seconds remaining left three defenders in their tracks before he drained the winning basket to push the Bruins onto the next round. UCLA would go on to win the tournament for their 11th NCAA title and the senior would go down in tournament lore.
"It's really exciting for me,” said Edney of his new position. “It's going to be a great opportunity, and it's something I've always wanted to do. Having a chance to come back to my university, I feel like I'm coming back home."
During his time on the court at UCLA, Edney pulled in three All-Pac 10 first round selections and is second all-time in career assists (652, 5.2 per game) for the storied program. He played four years in the NBA for Sacramento, Boston and Indiana before heading overseas to play in Europe. He retired last year.
"I feel our student-athletes will benefit greatly from dealing with Tyus on a daily basis because he has experienced the things they will experience here at UCLA," Howland concluded.
Paulus on the move…again
Greg Paulus isn’t done with college sports just yet.
After four years of consistent play for Duke’s basketball program, the 6-1 guard jumped to the gridiron, heading up the Syracuse program as the Orange’s quarterback.
Now, despite an invite to the New Orleans Saints camp, Paulus is moving back into basketball as the assistant coach for Navy.
“It was not something that I had to think really hard about,” said Navy head coach Bill Lange of the Paulus hiring. "This is a great shot in the arm for Navy Basketball. Individual development is key here at the Naval Academy. Our players have to get better, because we aren't getting the finished product when they walk in the door. Greg's ability to communicate and teach on the basketball floor after what he has done as a player is priceless.”
During his time with Duke, Paulus averaged 8.7 ppg, with 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals a night. As a freshman he led the ACC in assists, making the ACC All Freshmen first team and the All Tournament second team. He was a three-year starter for the Blue Devils but came off the bench in his senior season as the program made room for sophomore guard Nolan Smith.
“There is no experience that can match that or a price tag you can put on it, said Lange, now in his seventh year leading the Navy team. “He is going to make an immediate impact and will raise the bar for our staff and players.”
Paulus stated in a news release: "I am very excited to be a part of the Naval Academy and the Navy Basketball family. I have always wanted to get into coaching and to get my start at such a special institution like the Naval Academy is very rewarding for me. I am very fortunate to be able to work with the calibre of student-athlete that the Naval Academy has to offer."
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