Michigan State University Athletics
Walton Named Assistant Coach For NBDL Team
9/18/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Former Michigan State men's basketball captain Travis Walton has been named an assistant coach of the Idaho Stampede of the NBDL, the team announced on Thursday. A three-time captain, Walton earned four letters (2006-09) at MSU, finishing his career as the 2009 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year while leading MSU to a Big Ten Championship and the 2009 national title game at the Final Four in Detroit. The Idaho Stampede is the NBDL affiliate of the NBA's Utah Jazz.
"I'm excited about the opportunity to be able to start my coaching career at the highest level with the Idaho Stampede and Utah Jazz organization," said Walton. "I feel my time at Michigan State as a player and student assistant coach has prepared me for this. All the great lessons that I have learned from Coach Izzo and his staff have given me the confidence to embark on this new journey. Having the opportunity to learn from (Idaho Stampede coach) Dean Cooper who has been an assistant in the NBA will help me tremendously on my path of becoming a better coach."
"This is a phenomenal opportunity for Travis," said MSU head coach Tom Izzo. "Anyone who spends time with him can immediately see that he has a great passion for coaching, and a tremendous work ethic. He's done a great job training young kids at the local level, and he's ready to take the next step. It's always great to see players reach their dreams, and I'm really excited to have Travis get one step closer to coaching in the NBA. I'm proud of Travis and know that he'll do a great job."
Walton currently ranks fifth in MSU career steals (167) and seventh in career assists (555). He started 92 games over his final three seasons, and ranks third in MSU history, having appeared in 143 games. One of the best defenders in MSU history, he was a three-time Big Ten All-Defensive Team member and a three-time recipient of MSU's Best Defensive Player Award.
