Damon Stoudamire says he’s returning to Memphis’ staff

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Damon Stoudamire is leaving his position as an assistant coach at Arizona to rejoin Memphis’ coaching staff.

Arizona issued a release Monday announcing Stoudamire’s departure. Memphis confirmed the move later Monday.

Stoudamire will take the place of assistant coach Aki Collins, who is leaving the program to pursue other opportunities. The move is pending approval from the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Stoudamire had spent the last two seasons as an assistant on Arizona coach Sean Miller’s staff after working at Memphis the previous two seasons.

Stoudamire said that “it is with mixed emotions that I’ll be returning to the University of Memphis to be Josh Pastner’s lead assistant.” Stoudamire said the move would allow him to be closer to his two sons, who live in Atlanta.

Stoudamire played at Arizona from 1992-95 and led the Wildcats to a Final Four appearance in 1994. He played 13 seasons in the NBA before beginning his coaching career.

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