Early Life and College Career
Damon Stoudamire was born on September 3, 1973, in Portland, Oregon. He showcased exceptional basketball talent early on, leading him to play collegiately at the University of Arizona. As a point guard for the Arizona Wildcats, Stoudamire was instrumental in guiding the team to the 1994 Final Four. His outstanding performance earned him recognition as a 1995 Wooden Award finalist. ABTCAP News
NBA Career and Achievements
In the 1995 NBA Draft, Stoudamire was selected seventh overall by the Toronto Raptors. He made an immediate impact, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. Throughout his 13-year professional career, he played for teams including the Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies, and San Antonio Spurs. Stoudamire averaged 13.4 points and 6.1 assists per game, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and reliable point guard. ABTC+1AP News+1AP News
Transition to Coaching
Following his retirement as a player, Stoudamire transitioned into coaching. He began as the director of player development at Rice University in 2008. His coaching journey included assistant coaching roles at the University of Memphis and his alma mater, the University of Arizona. In 2016, Stoudamire took on his first head coaching position at the University of the Pacific. During his tenure, he led the team to a 23-10 record in the 2019-2020 season and was named the West Coast Conference Coach of the Year. Noted Names+8Duke Basketball Report+8Backing The Pack+8ABTCAP News
NBA Coaching Experience
Stoudamire further expanded his coaching resume by joining the Boston Celtics as an assistant coach in 2021. His experience with the Celtics provided him with valuable insights into coaching at the professional level, enhancing his strategic understanding of the game. AP News
Appointment as Georgia Tech Head Coach
In March 2023, Georgia Tech appointed Damon Stoudamire as the head coach of their men’s basketball team. Athletic Director J Batt expressed confidence in Stoudamire’s ability to lead the program, citing his extensive experience and credibility at both collegiate and professional levels. Stoudamire himself expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating his commitment to elevating the team’s performance and competitiveness. AP News
Recruitment Success at Georgia Tech
Demonstrating his recruiting prowess, Stoudamire secured a significant commitment from Mouhamed Sylla, a 4-star center from Senegal, in January 2025. Sylla, standing at 6-foot-10 and weighing 240 pounds, was a highly sought-after recruit who chose Georgia Tech over offers from Oregon and Arkansas. This addition highlighted Stoudamire’s dedication to strengthening the team’s roster and competitiveness in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). From The Rumble Seat
Family Life
Off the court, Stoudamire is a family man. He and his wife, Natasha Taylor, have two children, Brandon and Damon Jr. Balancing his professional commitments with family life, Stoudamire continues to serve as a mentor and role model both on and off the court.ABTC
Conclusion
Damon Stoudamire’s journey from a standout collegiate athlete to an NBA player and now a head coach reflects his deep passion and commitment to basketball. His diverse experiences as a player and coach at various levels have equipped him with a unique perspective and skill set. As he leads Georgia Tech’s men’s basketball program, the Yellow Jackets community eagerly anticipates the impact of his leadership and vision on the team’s future success.
