Arizona Wildcats assistant Damon Stoudamire leaving for Memphis

Damon Stoudamire is leaving the Arizona Wildcats to return to Memphis.

Arizona assistant Damon Stoudamire has notified recruits families and coaches he's headed to Memphis to be an assistant

— Jason Scheer (@JasonScheer) May 18, 2015

Stoudamire was an assistant under Tigers coach Josh Pastner from 2011-2013 before leaving to join Sean Miller’s staff in Arizona.

Stoudamire's two sons live in Atlanta, and that's the primary reason for the move to Memphis. His relationship with Josh Pastner also key.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) May 18, 2015

Stoudamire starred for the Wildcats under Lute Olson, where he was a first-team All-American and Pac-10 Player of the Year as well as a finalist for College Player of the Year.

He went on to have a long career in the NBA that included the Rookie of the Year Award in 1996.

Stoudamire tweeted about his decision to leave Tucson:

I tell u the last 72 hrs have been tough but, let me take everyone into my mind for a moment! Every since I was 7 yrs old I dedicated my

— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) May 18, 2015

Life to being a NBA baller! Yes, I was selfish every step of the way. I had a great 13 yr career in the NBA. When I retired I started

— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) May 18, 2015

Coaching and fell in love with it! I have ability lots of ppl struggle with and that dealing with kids! It's always been that way! As

— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) May 18, 2015

When I left Memphis it was about a opportunity to come back to my alma mater and represent U of A the best I could! Strange thing is I

— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) May 18, 2015

Found out a lot who Damon Stoudamire actually was! I had changed. I wasn't the same guy anymore! The question became were as good as any

— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) May 18, 2015

Team in the country, we have pros,
I work for 1 of the best dudes and basketball minds in the country! Why do i feel empty? I'm

— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) May 18, 2015

I'm helping raise everybody else's kids but, what about my 2 boys?! They need me too. All my playing yrs I was selfish and it worked out

— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) May 18, 2015

For me but, now it's not about me it's about my boys! I never really knew how I felt till I missed seeing them play in football and

— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) May 18, 2015

Basketball games! I was finally there dad again. Not the guy on TV anymore. I'd finally built our relationship where it needed to be.

— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) May 18, 2015

This opportunity to still do what I love coaching bball and helping kids but, being by my own was to good to pass up! In my eyes it's the

— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) May 18, 2015

Best of both worlds! Arizona bball is in great place with a great coach, passionate fans, great administration! I will always be AZ to

— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) May 18, 2015

The heart but, right now it's just not about me. #beardown#AZ4life#

— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) May 18, 2015

Stoudamire’s departure leaves Joe Pasternack and Emanual Richardson as the only assistant coaches on Miller’s staff.