Brandon Roy named 2017 Naismith High School Coach of the Year after 29-0 season

Brandon Roy was named the Naismith National High School Coach of the Year on Monday, a deserving reward after he led Seattle’s Nathan Hale High School to an undefeated 29-0 championship season.

Even more impressive is that Nathan Hale went 3-18 last season before Roy took over this season. The former NBA star convinced seven players to transfer in his first few months, led by Michael Porter Jr., who is the No. 1-ranked prospect in the country and was committed to the University of Washington, where Roy played. In the championship game, Nathan Hale completed their undefeated season against their crosstown rivals and Roy’s alma mater, Garfield High School.

Roy’s playing career was tragically cut short by repeated knee injuries, playing only 326 games for Portland and briefly Minnesota in his career. It’s impossible not to wonder how good Roy — who made three All-Star teams in six seasons — could have been if his knees had held up, but the 32-year-old has naturally progressed into the next phase of his life as a head coach. In his first season, it couldn’t have gone better.

Roy can quickly move up into the college coaching ranks if he wishes after his successful season. Meanwhile, his star player is already projected as a top-five pick in the 2018 NBA draft — and potentially the top overall selection if he has a strong enough freshman season.