Jacque Vaughn Returns to Kansas: From NBA Coach to College Mentor
Jacque Vaughn’s name rings out for anyone who followed Kansas basketball in the late ’90s. Now, he’s back in Lawrence as an assistant coach.
Vaughn played point guard at Kansas before a 12-year NBA run and various coaching stops. He’s bringing all that experience home, and honestly, you can feel the excitement around the Jayhawks’ program.
Let’s get into Vaughn’s path, his approach to coaching, and what this could mean for Kansas basketball.
Jacque Vaughn’s Journey from Player to Coach
Table of Contents
Back in his Kansas days, Vaughn stood out for his discipline and leadership. He was the guy who wore a rubber band on his wrist, snapping it every time he slipped up—on the court or in class.
That kind of dedication made a mark on his teammates and coaches. People noticed, and they respected it.
The NBA Years
Vaughn’s NBA numbers weren’t flashy—just 4.5 points and 2.5 assists per game. But if you ask coaches, they’d tell you he was the kind of player you wanted around.
Gregg Popovich, the legendary Spurs coach, saw something special in Vaughn. He nudged him toward coaching, and that made all the difference.
Coaching Career
Vaughn started his coaching journey as an assistant with Popovich. He worked his way up and landed his first head coaching gig with the Orlando Magic.
Things didn’t exactly go as planned there, but he found his footing with the Brooklyn Nets. He even became their interim head coach, then full head coach. Vaughn’s time in Brooklyn ended 54 games into the 2023-24 season, but people still talk about his coaching chops.
Return to Kansas
In May, Vaughn chose to come back to Kansas as an assistant under Bill Self. The Jayhawks have hit some rough patches lately, and Self knew Vaughn could help turn things around.
Self went after him for the job right away. He wanted Vaughn’s energy and experience on his staff.
Why Kansas?
Vaughn could’ve taken NBA jobs—some were even higher up the ladder. But Kansas meant more to him.
He cares about the university and wants to shape young players’ lives. Vaughn sees himself as someone who can guide the next generation, and this felt like the spot to do it.
Immediate Impact
The Jayhawks have retooled, bringing in new, athletic players who fit Self’s style. Vaughn’s arrival feels like the missing piece.
He connects with players and brings a ton of energy. The fit just makes sense for Kansas right now.
Coaching Philosophy and Influence
Vaughn’s coaching philosophy borrows a lot from his Spurs days with Popovich. He’s big on the 0.5 rule—players have half a second to decide what to do with the ball.
It’s a fast, decisive way to play, and it could really shake things up for the Jayhawks.
Player Development
One thing that stands out about Vaughn is how well he relates to players. Guys like Caris LeVert and Jalen Wilson have talked about his honesty and humility.
He focuses on relationships and building a supportive atmosphere. That’s how he gets the most out of his players.
Book Your Dream Vacation Today
Flights | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Rental Cars | Experiences
Legacy and Future
There’s been some chatter about Vaughn possibly succeeding Bill Self someday. Both of them pretty much laugh that off.
Self says he hired Vaughn because he was the right guy for the job. Vaughn just wants to make a difference right now—he’s not thinking about what comes next.
Conclusion
Jacque Vaughn’s return to Kansas feels like a full-circle moment in his life. He went from a disciplined player to a respected coach, and now he’s back where it all started.
Vaughn brings a ton of experience and a fresh outlook to the Jayhawks. His commitment to excellence, both on and off the court, really stands out.
He’s an ideal mentor for the next generation of Kansas basketball players. Honestly, it’s hard not to feel a little excited about what his leadership might mean for the program.
For more details on Jacque Vaughn’s return to Kansas, you can read the full article on The New York Times.