Legendary NBA Star Gary Payton Lands Notable Head Coaching Job in NCAA

The “Glove” coach is officially back for another challenge. University of Alameda announced on Saturday that retired NBA star Gary Payton has been hired to lead the men’s basketball program. Payton will be the head coach at the junior college on the island in Alameda, California.

Now 56, Bay Area native Payton played in the NBA from 1990 to 2007, primarily with the Seattle SuperSonics, but later played for four other teams. Known for his relentless defense, Payton is a nine-time NBA All-Star, nine-time All-Defensive, and seven-time All-NBA honoree. He won an NBA championship with the Miami Heat in 2006 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.

Since retiring, Payton has gained coaching experience at several different levels of basketball. He has been the head coach of the BIG3 since 2017 and was recently named BIG3 Coach of the Year after leading the Bivouac team to a league title this season. Payton also spent the last three years in the college ranks as the head coach at Lincoln University in Oakland, California.

Payton’s new role at Alameda won’t be easy, as the men’s basketball team went 7-21 last season in the Bay Valley Conference. However, Payton is clearly ready for a new challenge as a head coach, and it’s an interesting character arc for the legendary NBA star.

Payton’s coaching experience and achievements make him an ideal candidate for the role. His ability to lead teams to success and his passion for the game will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the University of Alameda’s men’s basketball program.