Topic: H-D: MU assistant a former pro

[biggreenarms]

HUNTINGTON -- Not too long ago Chris Duhon was playing point guard in the NBA.

Now, he's a Marshall University men's basketball assistant coach where among other things he's teaching Thundering Herd point guards.

"I know how to play the game," said Duhon, whose hiring as a member of new Marshall head coach Dan D'Antoni's staff hasn't been officially announced pending a background check. "That's a lost art. Today people get away with athleticism. It's an instinct of knowing how to play the game."

Duhon, 31, was waived by the Los Angeles Lakers in June 2013, ending a nine-year NBA career.

He appeared in 606 games and started 319 from 2004 to 2013 with the Chicago Bulls (2004 Round 2 draft pick, 38th overall), New York Knicks, Orlando Magic and Los Angeles.

His NBA career averages were 6.5 points, 4.4 assists and 2.3 rebounds a game.

During his New York and Los Angeles stints he was on teams directed by head coach Mike D'Antoni and his brother, assistant coach Dan D'Antoni. The D'Antoni brothers are both former Marshall point guards.

This is Duhon's first coaching job.

"I've always wanted to (coach)," he said "Dan got the job, I sent a congratulatory text and here I am.

"I know the system very well. Especially the point guards."

Duhon said the D'Antoni system is complicated, but simple.

The offensive plan calls for players being instinctive and able to line up at multiple positions, Duhon said. Players will be conditioned to play at a fast pace in read and react situations. Everyone is encouraged to take the first open shot, even if that means the big men shooting 3-pointers.

Defensively, the Thundering Herd will be guarding all 94-feet of the court.

"We have a lot of work to do," Duhon said after a Saturday workout in Cam Henderson Center. "Obviously, we're trying to change the culture."

Duhon played for the Duke Blue Devils from 2001-04 on three Atlantic Coast Conference championship teams, two NCAA Final Four teams and the 2001 national championship team.

The Louisiana native ended his Duke career as the only player in ACC history with at least 1,000 points (1,268), 800 assists (819), 475 rebounds (489), 300 steals (300) and 125 3-point field goals (162).

He was named as a finalist for the Wooden and Naismith national player of the year awards as a junior and senior.

At his age Duhon isn't a lot older than the players he's teaching. He's able to get on the court and show, rather than just tell.

When he was at Duke he had assistant coaches Steve Wojciechowski and Chris Collins showing the way.

"Coach Wojo and coach Collins were both on the floor," he said. "It's good because sometimes you have a visual."

It's a sure bet that some Marshall players will challenge Duhon to a game of one-on-one thinking they can beat him, but he said that's not going to happen.

Duhon received recognition for his community service activity while in the NBA.

He organized the Chris Duhon Stand Tall Foundation in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina to help victims in his hometown of Slidell, La., that included a personal donation of $100,000.to refurbish basketball courts in New Orleans.

Also, he has participated in the NBA's Basketball Without Borders programs in Africa, Europe and Asia.

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1495950966/MU-assistant-Chris-Duhon-draws-from-NBA-experience-to-teach-young-players