Kansas basketball fans know well the player and now coach described as a basketball junkie. Rex Walters is back on the bench, coaching the NBA Developmental League.
Kansas basketball fans loved watching Rex Walters run the floor for Roy Williams in the early 90s. He was fun to watch. The 6-foot 4-inch guard helped lead the Jayhawks to the Final four.
As a matter of fact, Walters had a successful professional basketball playing career. He was a first round pick of the New Jersey. In addition to the NBA years with the Nets, 76ers and Miami Heat, Walters played some professional ball overseas.
I was happy he decided to try coaching. In the first place, he is the perfect candidate for a coaching job. The media release from the NBA includes the fact that Walters is a basketball junkie. He might as well coach. His first coaching stint as an assistant at Valparaiso was certainly valuable. The team even experienced the NCAA tournament.
Florida Atlantic seemed a perfect fit for him and he ultimately became their head coach. I wish he’d stayed there longer. I don’t know all the circumstances that led to his opportunity to take over the San Francisco program. They probably made him an outspend offer. The West Coach Conference honored him as Coach of the year just three years ago.
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On the other hand, after 8 seasons and no NCAA tournament appearances, Walters returns to the professional game.
As coach of the Detroit Drive, Walters will be a part of an organization that also includes former Kansas basketball star Marcus Morris. This might be a perfect fit. I know Kansas basketball fans will pay close attention to how the Drive performs this summer and during the regular season.