Kevin Ollie was rumored to be interested in the head coaching job for the Oklahoma City Thunder for a short time now. With Ollie having immediate success as the coach of the UConn Huskies in the college ranks, it’s hard to shortchange the former NBA point guard some sort of respect. He’s getting so much respect that he’s been rumored to move back to the NBA as a coach but he seemingly shot down those rumors.
Following from Anthony Slater of NewsOK.com.
“As I have said many times, I am proud and honored to be the head basketball coach at the University of Connecticut and I have no plans to pursue other opportunities,” Ollie’s statement read. “We are already excited about next season and I am looking forward to preparing our team to be the best we can be on the court, in the classroom, and in our community.”
Sam Presti and the Thunder front office have yet to comment on the future of Brooks. Though Brooks was publicly backed by his star players recently, a Yahoo report right after the season said OKC was taking its time to reassess the coaching position before deciding which direction to move.
Presti is scheduled to have a press conference on Friday morning where he’s likely to discuss the situation.
Ollie took his name out of the running for any NBA head coaching jobs, or so we thought.
With the Oklahoma City Thunder recently firing their head coach Scott Brooks, it appears that OKC has started to look towards the lane of familiarity. Whether it would be Thunder GM Sam Presti bringing in his friend Billy Donovan or maybe consider a former member of the Thunder.
No, Derek Fisher isn’t leaving the Knicks. Kevin Ollie might actually be the guy they lean towards.
Despite public statement, UConn's Kevin Ollie has significant interest in OKC coaching job, sources tell Yahoo. He's a top choice for Presti
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) April 22, 2015
Here's thing with Donovan and Ollie: If OKC talks to one of the coaches first, expect the other to pull out of consideration — and fast.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) April 22, 2015
Now if the Thunder get either of these guys, it might not bode well for their future. OKC needs an established coach and one that can lead this veteran riddled and head strong team into the promise of greener pastures in the playoffs.
Ollie could possibly be that guy but the transition from former NBA player to championship winning NCAA coach back to the NBA as a head coach is one that really hasn’t been seen before and the precedence is rare. Ollie would have to really rally his former teammates together and is that what this team needs? Another one of them to just make sure everyone finds Russell Westbrook or Kevin Durant at every waking moment? Wait, that actually might work.
