LaDell Andersen facts for kids
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| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 25, 1929 Malad City, Idaho |
| Died | December 29, 2019 (aged 90) St. George, Utah |
| Playing career | |
| 1948–1951 | Utah State |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1956–1961 | Utah (assistant) |
| 1961–1971 | Utah State |
| 1971–1973 | Utah Stars |
| 1983–1989 | BYU |
| Administrative career (AD unless noted) | |
| 1973–1983 | Utah State |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 287–167 (college) 115–52 (ABA regular season) |
| Tournaments | 6–10 (NCAA University Division / Division I) (2–2 (NIT) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| WAC regular season (1988) | |
| Awards | |
| WAC Coach of the Year (1988) | |
LaDell Andersen (October 25, 1929 – December 29, 2019) was a famous American basketball coach. He coached both college teams and professional teams. Andersen was known for his smart strategies and for helping players improve. He left a big mark on basketball in Utah and beyond.
Contents
Early Life and Playing Days
LaDell Andersen was born in Malad City, Idaho. He grew up loving basketball. He went to Utah State University and played for their basketball team.
As a player, he was very good. In 1951, he was named an All-Skyline Conference player. He also received an honorable mention for the All-American team. This meant he was one of the best college players in the country. He even tried out for the 1952 U.S. Men's Olympic Basketball Team.
Starting His Coaching Career
Andersen began his coaching journey in 1956. He became an assistant coach at the University of Utah. He worked there for five years. In 1961, he got a big chance to become the head coach at his old school, Utah State University.
Coaching the Utah State Aggies
Andersen coached the Utah State Aggies for ten seasons, from 1961 to 1971. He had a great record of 176 wins and 96 losses. Under his leadership, the Aggies played in the NCAA basketball tournament four times.
One of their best seasons was in 1970. The team made it all the way to the "Elite Eight" in the NCAA tournament. This is like reaching the quarterfinals of a big championship. They eventually lost to the famous UCLA team, which won the championship that year. Andersen also led the Aggies to the National Invitation Tournament twice.
Coaching Professional Basketball: The Utah Stars
After his success in college, Andersen moved to professional basketball. He became the head coach for the American Basketball Association (ABA) team, the Utah Stars. He coached the Stars for two seasons, from 1971 to 1973.
He was very successful with the Stars. He led them to win the Western Division regular season title twice. Both seasons, his team made it to the Western Division playoff finals. However, they lost to the Indiana Pacers both times. Andersen had an impressive record of 115 wins and 43 losses with the Stars. Even with this success, he decided to resign after his second season.
Returning to Utah State and BYU
In 1973, Andersen went back to Utah State University. This time, he became the school's athletic director. He held this important job for ten years. As an athletic director, he helped manage all the sports programs at the university.
In 1983, he returned to coaching. He took over the basketball team at Brigham Young University (BYU).
Coaching the BYU Cougars
Andersen coached the BYU Cougars for six years. He led them to a record of 114 wins and 71 losses. During his time at BYU, the team made it to the postseason four times. This included three appearances in the NCAA basketball tournament and one in the National Invitation Tournament. He stepped down as BYU's head coach in 1989.
Later Years and Legacy
Even after retiring from coaching, LaDell Andersen stayed involved in basketball. He worked as a scout and consultant for the NBA's Utah Jazz team. A scout helps find new talented players. Many believe he was the person who found and encouraged the Jazz to draft the legendary player John Stockton.
LaDell Andersen passed away on December 29, 2019, at the age of 90. He is remembered as a key figure in Utah basketball history.
Honors and Achievements
LaDell Andersen received several important honors for his contributions to basketball:
- He was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame.
- He was named one of the Top 100 Most Accomplished People in the State of Utah between 1888 and 1998.
Images for kids
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LaDell Andersen in 1972.
