Morgantown, West Virginia – Former West Virginia Mountaineers point guard Joe Mazzulla is enjoying tremendous success as an assistant coach in the NBA. Since 2019, Mazzulla has been an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics, who are currently in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.
Recently, the Celtics’ star player, Jayson Tatum, was asked about Mazzulla. A reporter said that he had heard that Tatum thought that Boston had to do whatever it takes to keep Mazzulla with the Celtics and how he thought he was a key member of the coaching staff.
At first, Tatum jokingly said, “I didn’t say that.” He then added, “I’m just messing with you.”
Tatum went on to say the following about his assistant coach: “I love Joe. I think just being around him for the last three years, you can tell just how passionate he is about the guys and his craft. He’s gotten so much more knowledgeable and more detailed and more comfortable in his role as a coach. He’s helped me out tremendously as a player and as a person. I can’t say enough good things about Joe and everyone appreciates what he brings to this team. I’m really glad we have him here.”
Mazzulla, who was the head coach of the Fairmont State Falcons from 2017-2019, is scheduled to be interviewed for the Utah Jazz head coaching position, which has recently become vacant after former head coach Quin Snyder resigned from the position.
Mazzulla, 33, played for both John Beilein and Bob Huggins at West Virginia, advancing to the NCAA Tournament all four years. He was also named to the Big East Academic All-Star Team three times during his career.
Mazzulla has also been considered a potential replacement for Bob Huggins at WVU when he decides to retire, but he has said that he would prefer to remain coaching in the NBA.
Check out the entire interview below:
