Peterson Has Mountaineers Buzzing in Early Practices

ASU Basketball Opens Season at Home Versus UNC-W November 13

Story by Jason Gilmer

Buzz Peterson is back at the helm of the ASU men's basketball team and began practices with his team last week. The Mountaineers are trying to improve upon last season's 13-18 overall record. Photo by Jason Gilmer

One of Buzz Peterson’s stops in between stints as the ASU men’s basketball coach could be distinguished by his footwear during Tuesday night’s practice.

He donned a pair of white Air Jordan sneakers and short socks with the NBA logo emblazoned on them to run his Mountaineers through a grueling workout.

For the past two years, Peterson worked with his former roommate, Michael Jordan, as the director of player personnel for Jordan’s Charlotte Bobcats.

Now that he’s back in Boone for another stint as a coach, Peterson seems to be relishing in teaching, and not just evaluating talent.

“I’m out here and I’m in a different world,” said Peterson as he leaned against the scorer’s table after his team’s long workout. “I could stay out here all day long and when I’m out here it feels like it’s only been 15 minutes.

“Coaching is something I love to do. For most of my life I’ve taught the game of basketball and I love being around 18 to 20 year olds teaching.”
The team began practice last week and opens the season with a 7:00 p.m. home game on Friday, November 13, against UNC Wilmington.

His style isn’t to simply stand on the side and yell instructions during practice. He’s on the floor showing players how to move around a screen, making passes during drills and pointing directions to players.

When they get something right, he’s one of the first to toss two arms high in the air for a double high-five.

A new coach brings in a new system, so players are listening and learning from Peterson.

“A guy who knows the game like Coach Peterson is fun to play for. We’re learning a lot and are looking forward to the upcoming year,” senior A.J. Highsmith said. “The majority of our team is from the South and everyone from around these parts knows who Buzz Peterson is.”

With his practice schedule stuck in the back waistband of his black shorts, Peterson walked back and forth between groups of players doing drills on each end of the Holmes Center court.

“It’s kind of weird being in this building that you helped design,” he said looking around. “To me it’s brand new, but I know that it’s been here for nine years.”

Peterson left the program after three straight 20-win seasons in 2000 to coach at Tulsa. He later was the head coach at Tennessee and Coastal Carolina before he joined the Bobcats. In 11 seasons as a head coach, he’s won 201 games, including a 79-39 record in four years with the Mountaineers.

His new players knew of his past success as the team’s coach. He guided ASU to three Southern Conference regular season titles and a berth in the 2000 NCAA tournament.

Peterson said it’s “wonderful and exciting” to be back in Boone and coaching the Mountaineers.

“It’s nice doing the Xs and Os and being out there teaching again,” he said.

While he’s enjoying the coaching aspect, the players are enjoying having him around and learning from his vast knowledge of basketball.

“Once I got to know him and found out who he really is, I fell in love with him as a person. He’s a really good guy and a great guy to be around,” senior guard Kellen Brand said. “As much as he knows, it’s making us more confident as players. He’s instilling that confidence into you and making you believe that you can do anything.”

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