ASU legend Byron Scott on Randy Bennett, UA shade, Final Four, Suns
Ex-Los Angeles Lakers champion Byron Scott spoke to The Republic on Arizona State's recent coach vacancy, the Suns entering the playoffs and more.
Former NBA Coach of the Year and Los Angeles native Byron Scott was a key player who helped the Lakers win three titles during the franchise's 1980s "Showtime" era. Scott played for the Arizona State Sun Devils before the Lakers acquired him during the 1983 draft. Scott spoke with The Arizona Republic about his pursuit of the recent ASU men's basketball coach vacancy, the Final Four, the highly touted 2026 NBA Draft class, the Phoenix Suns and more.
On ASU hiring Randy Bennett, why Scott wanted to replace Bobby Hurley as men's basketball coach. "Nothing but respect for Randy and what he's done at Saint Mary's, so I think they did a good job of getting a really good, qualified person. For me, I just felt that I would be great in the situation, being able to come back to my alma mater and try to bring the program back to prominence.
... It's more of a pro style now anyway. It's more like the NBA.
There's no rules. You got NIL and all this other stuff. I thought it would be a real good fit for me.