Utah Jazz Assistant Coach Sidney Lowe, Who Is He and What He Brings to the Team
The Utah Jazz recently announced the hiring of Sidney Lowe as a new assistant coach. Lowe joins former Jazz player Jeff Hornacek, and longtime assistant Scott Layden on Tyrone Corbin's staff.
For those Jazz fans who may not know much about the's newest coach, here is some background information.
Playing Career
Sidney Low started his playing career at a young age. In his early years he played for the traditional high school powerhouse school DeMatha Catholic High School in Maryland.
He went on to play at North Carolina State University where he played for Jim Valvano. During his senior season, Lowe was the point guard on the 1983 National Championship team that defied the odds and beat better teams to capture the title.
After college Lowe was drafted with the first pick of the second round in the 1983 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. He never played for the team as he was traded to the Indiana Pacers on draft night.
Lowe spent four seasons in the league and played for five teams including the Pacers, Pistons, Hawks, Hornets, and Timberwolves before retiring in 1991.
Coaching Career
In 1991 Lowe took his first coaching position with the Minnesota Timberwolves as an assistant coach to Jimmy Rodgers where he coached former Jazz players Felton Spencer, Thurl Bailey, and Tyrone Corbin.
The following season he took over for Rodgers and had his first head coaching job. Overall he has served as an NBA head coach for both the Timberwolves and Vancouver Grizzlies.
Lowe has also served as an assistant coach for the Cavaliers, Pistons, and the Timberwolves two more times.
In 2006 Lowe returned to coach at his alma mater when he was named to coach at North Carolina State. In his first season as the head man he led his team to 20 wins.
He served as the head coach until May of 2011 when he left the team following some disappointing seasons.
What he Brings to the Team
Although the hiring of Lowe comes at an unexpected time when the rest of the league is on hold due to the lockout, the Jazz made a good move to add a quality coach
With the Lowe joining the team, the Jazz are getting a hardworking coach who will be loyal to his friend and former teammate Tyrone Corbin.
The most important thing that Lowe brings to the team is his many years of coaching experience on several different levels.
In looking at the other teams that Lowe has led in the past, he will be an asset in helping this young Jazz team that has gone through so many changes to form a new identity in the league.
He will be able to not only handle the veteran players on the team, but he will help to develop the young guys and teach them how to adjust to the NBA.
By filling the coaching position left open when Phil Johnson left with Jerry Sloan last season, the Jazz take the next step in the right direction with the team.
By hiring Sidney Lowe, it will turn out to be a very big step that will help the team.
Coaching information found on basketball-reference.com
