One-on-One With New Assistant Jay Humphries

A day after the announcement became official, Suns.com sat down with the newest member of the Suns family to discuss his time coaching overseas, his expectations in Phoenix and the move which allowed the NBA career of Jay Humphries to come full circle.

Suns.com: First off, can you talk about how excited you are getting this opportunity here with Phoenix?

Jay Humphries: I’ve been striving to get back to this level in a coaching aspect for some time and have traveled the world trying to hone my skills. I’ve gotten a lot of different experiences both in coaching and culturally, and I’m very happy about going full circle from being a player here to a coach. There are some things for me to learn but I’m very excited and eager. I’ve always been a hard worker so that’s what I’m going to continue doing.

Suns.com: You were recruited in college by Alvin Gentry and worked alongside Phil Weber this past summer up in Vegas. Can you talk about the relationships you’ve been able to build with those two?

Humphries: My personality is pretty easy going. I’ve known Alvin for a long time and I know his characteristics. It’s hard to say how well I know Phil at this time, but with all the conversations we’ve had I feel really good about working with him. Like I said, I’m easy going and open minded and through my coaching overseas in Korea and China, have been able to establish relationships with people who don’t even speak the same language as me. I don’t think there will be any problems when it comes to personalities on this staff.

Suns.com: You obviously have a lot of ties with the organization, beyond the fact they drafted you 13th overall in 1984. How did the process of you returning to the organization as a coach begin?

Humphries: I’ve been plucking away and making phone calls. Alvin has helped me along the way and I think he might have mentioned a few things to Mike and they’ve seen video of me doing some work and some different things so that all just snowballed. I flew in, we all had some conversations and they felt pretty comfortable with me when it came to my personality and my knowledge of basketball.

Suns.com: Joining a team which is already a championship-caliber team, what is it you feel you bring which could help put them over the top?

Humphries: It’s just about getting everyone on the same page. I think that’s what separates the good teams from the bad. Talent wise, there’s talent on all teams in the NBA. It’s about getting all the guys to strive for that one common goal and being able to understand that some players are going to have to make sacrifices, but winning and reaching that ultimate goal which is more important than any individual success.

Suns.com: During the offseason, Marc Iavaroni took the head coaching job with the Memphis Grizzlies. Many expected another big man coach to come in and work with the guys like Amaré Stoudemire. Can you talk about what you’re expected role with this Suns team will be?

Humphries: I’m sure I’m going to work with some of everyone. Being an overseas coach, I’ve worked with bigs and smalls both. Being an NBA point guard, I’ve seen the game at every angle and I think there’s a lot of things I can talk to with guards – although Steve Nash doesn’t really seem to need much help – and communicate with them and help them with creating on the floor and their overall leadership. From a big man’s aspect, there are a lot of drills involving footwork I’m capable of working on with them. At this level I think the mental aspect is what’s important because it’s a grind. It’s a long season and there are so many ups and downs that if you can keep a level head and stay focused on team goals, I think I will play well from big to small.

Suns.com: Have there been times in which you’ve watched the Suns these past few seasons and said to yourself, “I’d love to teach this guy this” or, “I really think he should be doing that?”

Humphries: It’s funny because I’ve talked to Alvin over the past few years and used videos he’s sent me as a teaching tool overseas. So I’ve had a chance to see a lot of the players and some of the things they do, but I haven’t had the luxury of sitting and watching one player because I’ve been overseas. I think working with Marcus Banks is going to be a goal for me, I want his abilities to help the team. He’s so talented but I think he hasn’t found where he fits in on this team and I want to help him find that.

Suns.com: You mentioned coaching Marcus in the Summer League, but you also worked with rookies Alando Tucker and DJ Strawberry in Vegas. What can Suns fans expect from our two young rookies?

Humphries: Rookies, they can expect rookies. This organization hasn’t had a lot of rookies lately by having a veteran team and acquiring guys through free agency. There have been some young guys along the way of course. Those two guys in Tucker and Strawberry are both strong, talented and ready to work hard. My thing is to try and get them programmed in a way where their determination stays consistent and they continue on a path in which they continue wanting to grow. As rookies I want them to understand the game and to work on the game and see what it takes to have longevity in this league.

Suns.com: You’ve spent a lot of time coaching overseas in your career, particularly in South Korea and China. What did those experiences teach you that you will bring over to the NBA?

Humphries: I’ve been a little bit of everywhere. I grew up in Inglewood, California and grew up in a predominantly Afro-American environment before moving to Colorado. Then I played in the NBA before traveling overseas so I’m well versed when it comes to dealing with different situations and different types of people. When it comes to basketball I think I can get through to some of the guys being I’m not so far removed from the situations they find themselves sometimes involved in. That’s important. When it comes to basketball knowledge, I’ve been able to teach guys my philosophy of the game without even speaking their language. Also important is that I’m with a great veteran staff so continuing to learn is going to be easy.

Suns.com: Like you, Mike D'Antoni is also a guy who first made a name for himself by coaching overseas. Can you talk about what your expectations are in terms of coaching alongside him?

Humphries: Mike’s traveled kind of the same roads I’ve traveled and that has helped maybe get me over the hump and involved with this organization. He appreciates what I’ve done and how I’ve continued to coach and hone my skills because that’s what he felt he had to do. And we’ve had that conversation and I really think it’ll be a good relationship between he and I.

Suns.com: Having played for four different organizations, you’ve had the opportunity to learn from several head coaches. Is there one that stands out as maybe a mentor who helped you ultimately make the transition from player to coach?

Humphries: I believe I’m a product of all the coaches that I’ve had. I’ve learned a lot of different things and even remember as far back as going out to dinner with John MacLeod when I was a young guy here and him teaching me a few things - not only about basketball, but longevity in the league and life. With Jerry Sloan I’ll always remember his professionalism, a stern no-nonsense guy but still approachable. I remember he always said, “I’ll be the first person on the bus after a game whether it be win, lose or draw so no matter what happened in the game I want you to come and speak with me.” Del Harris taught me a lot about x’s and o’s and I’ve also learned a lot through the players I’ve played alongside with on the way. I played with John Stockton and Karl Malone in Utah and there have been a lot of professional guys who I’ve learned from as well.

Suns.com: I’m sure you’re dying to just get out there and get the regular season going, but you’ve got a couple months now to get yourself prepared. What are you most hoping to get out of these final weeks of the summer before training camp begins in Tucson?

Humphries: I want to get my family life settled in terms of moving here and getting the kids in school. I need to continue learning the offense so I can begin incorporating what I know and not step on any toes. I definitely want to bring my individuality to the organization but it’s all about me fitting in with what they’re already doing in running such a great offense. First though it’s about getting my family settled because once you have comfort in that regards it really allows you to do your job that much better.