UCF men’s basketball head coach Donnie Jones announced he has added former Orlando Magic assistant coach and long-time NBA assistant Tom Sterner to the coaching staff, replacing another former NBA assistant coach in Brendan Suhr.
Sterner has spent 25 years in the NBA, beginning his career with the Magic as a video scout in 1989. He moved to the bench in 1994 and was with the team until 2002. Sterner was famous to Magic fans for his use of video in pregame segments on the Magic’s television network. He was a master with the telestrator.
He was also a solid assistant coach, working with the Raptors, 76ers, Mavericks and Warriors after his time with the Magic.
“Tom brings great coaching experience,” Jones said in a press release. “He’s been at the highest level, coaching in the NBA for 25 years with some great coaches. He understands culture, he has a lot of basketball wisdom and we’re excited for him to bring all of that to our program.”
UCF has long had a relationship with former Chuck Daly assistant Brendan Suhr. Sterner will fill the role left open after Suhr left the team. It is more of a guiding role as an assistant coach. He brings a ton of experience and knowledge about the game at its highest level to the team.
Last year, the Knights went 12-18, falling well short of a tournament appearance. They were just 5-13 in the AAC.
“I’m really fortunate and thankful to Donnie for having me on his staff,” Sterner said in the release. “I want to represent the university in a very positive way and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work at the collegiate level. This is a great learning opportunity and I’m proud to represent Donnie, the program, Coach O’Leary and President Hitt in the best possible light.”
There is good news for Donnie Jones and the UCF basketball team though. The Knights went 10-8 at home and return their top two scorers in B.J. Taylor and Adonys Henriquez.
UCF took a preseason trip to the Bahamas and won all three games on that trip too. Henriquez had a big three games and junior transfer Tanksley Efianayi also made some solid contributions. The Knights could be an intriguing team this year for the AAC.
In any case, UCF basketball is still trying to find its footing in the way the football team has. Adding an experienced coach of Sterner’s quality is certainly a positive step.
