Mike Budenholzer facts for kids
Budenholzer at the Milwaukee Bucks championship parade in 2021
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| Phoenix Suns | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | August 6, 1969 Holbrook, Arizona, U.S. |
| High school | Holbrook (Holbrook, Arizona) |
| Career information | |
| College | Pomona (1988–1991, 1992–1993) |
| Pro career | 1991–1994 |
| Coaching career | 1993–present |
| League | NBA |
| Career history | |
| As player: | |
| 1991–1992 | Pentland |
| 1993–1994 | Vejle BK |
| As coach: | |
| 1996–2013 | San Antonio Spurs (assistant) |
| 2013–2018 | Atlanta Hawks |
| 2018–2023 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2024–present | Phoenix Suns |
| Career highlights and awards | |
As head coach:
As assistant coach:
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Michael Vincent Budenholzer (born August 6, 1969) is an American professional basketball coach. He is currently the head coach for the Phoenix Suns in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Before joining the Suns, Budenholzer was the head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks. He led them to an NBA championship in 2021. He also coached the Atlanta Hawks for five seasons. For 19 seasons, he worked with the San Antonio Spurs as an assistant coach. Many people in basketball call him "Bud" or "Coach Bud".
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Playing Career
Mike Budenholzer grew up in Holbrook, Arizona. He went to Pomona College, where he was a great athlete. He played both basketball and golf for four years. In 1993, he was named the Outstanding Senior Athlete. He earned a degree in philosophy, politics, and economics. In 2015, he was honored by being added to the Pomona–Pitzer Hall of Fame.
In 1991, Budenholzer played basketball in Scotland for a team called Pentland. He played there for four months while studying at the University of Edinburgh. Later, in 1993–94, he played professionally in Denmark for Vejle Basketball Klub. He was the team's top scorer, averaging 27.5 points per game. He also coached two youth teams for the club during that time.
Coaching Career
San Antonio Spurs Assistant Coach
In 1994, Budenholzer joined the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. He started as a video coordinator, helping the team analyze games. After two years, he became an assistant coach under the famous head coach Gregg Popovich.
During his time with the Spurs, Budenholzer was part of a coaching staff that won four NBA championships. This experience helped him learn a lot about coaching at the highest level.
Atlanta Hawks Head Coach
After many years with the Spurs, Budenholzer became the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks in 2013. In his first season, the Hawks made it to the playoffs.
In December 2014, he was named the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month. His team had an amazing 14–2 record that month. Because the Hawks were leading their conference, Budenholzer was chosen to coach the Eastern Conference team in the 2015 NBA All-Star Game. In January 2015, he won the Coach of the Month award again. The Hawks made history by having a perfect 17–0 record that month.
He led the Hawks to a team record of 60 wins that season. They also had their best playoff run in 48 years. In April 2015, he received the NBA Coach of the Year Award.
For a while, Budenholzer also helped manage the Hawks team as the president of basketball operations. He had the final say on many team decisions. In 2018, he and the Hawks decided to go separate ways.
Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach
In May 2018, the Milwaukee Bucks hired Budenholzer as their new head coach. In his first season with the Bucks, the team did very well, finishing with a 60–22 record. He was again chosen to coach the East team in the 2019 NBA All-Star Game. At the end of the season, he won the NBA Coach of the Year Award for the second time.
A big moment came on July 20, 2021. Budenholzer led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship! They beat the Phoenix Suns in six games. The Bucks became only the fifth team in NBA history to win the title after losing the first two games of the series.
After winning the championship, the Bucks signed Budenholzer to a new contract. In the 2021–22 season, the team finished strong again. They won their first playoff series but lost in the next round.
In the 2022–23 season, the Bucks had the best record in the league. However, they lost in the first round of the playoffs. Budenholzer was let go by the Bucks in May 2023. This decision was debated by fans, especially because the team's star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, was injured, and Budenholzer faced personal challenges during the series.
Phoenix Suns Head Coach
On May 11, 2024, Mike Budenholzer was hired as the head coach for the Phoenix Suns.
Coaching Achievements
Mike Budenholzer has had a very successful coaching career. Here are some of his main achievements:
- As a head coach, he won an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.
- He has won the NBA Coach of the Year Award twice (2015, 2019).
- He has coached in the NBA All-Star Game twice (2015, 2019).
- As an assistant coach, he helped the San Antonio Spurs win four NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007).
Personal Life
Mike Budenholzer is the youngest of seven children. His parents are Vince and Libby Budenholzer. His father was also a basketball coach for 25 years, coaching high school and college teams in Arizona. Mike has four children: William Vincent, Savoia Elizabeth, Hanna Louise, and John Bent.
See also
In Spanish: Mike Budenholzer para niños
