Chris Burgess hired by Krystkowiak

[Diehard Ute]

Chris Burgess announced he'll be joining Utah's staff as an undergraduate assistant this year

He helped with Utah's elite camp last week and announced his retirement from professional ball as well.

I really like how much our current coaching staff tries to involve our alumni

[LA Ute]

Chris Burgess announced he'll be joining Utah's staff as an undergraduate assistant this year

He helped with Utah's elite camp last week and announced his retirement from professional ball as well.

I really like how much our current coaching staff tries to involve our alumni

I like it too!!!

[LA Ute]

More details:


SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Utah men’s basketball head coach Larry Krystkowiak has announced the addition of former Runnin’ Ute Chris Burgess to the program as an undergraduate assistant coach.

“We are very pleased to have Chris Burgess return to the Utah basketball program,” Krystkowiak said. “This is a classic win-win scenario whereby Chris will be able to get his feet wet as an undergraduate student coach and at the same time, obtaining his degree in speech communication.”

Burgess transferred to the University of Utah under head coach Rick Majerus. However, Burgess suffered a number of injuries that limited his productivity. After a solid start to his senior season, Burgess tore his right plantar fascia vs. Texas, forcing him to miss the remainder of his senior year.

At the point of his injury, Burgess was leading the Utes with 13.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 66 percent field-goal shooting while averaging 25.5 minutes a game.

Burgess suited up for the Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards from 2002-06 and then also played professionally in Turkey, Australia, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Korea, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates and Poland over the past decade.

“He will be a valuable asset to our program due to his (10-year) experience as a professional player,” Krystkowiak added. “Chris brings a passion for the game along with a youthful exuberance that will benefit our program.”

Prior to attending Utah, Burgess played at Duke University for two years under coach Mike Krzyzewski. Duke made the Elite Eight and the NCAA National Championship game in Burgess's two seasons. He shot over 55 percent from the field during his tenure and left Duke ranked 23rd all-time in blocked shots.

At Woodbridge High School, Burgess received national recognition by being named a McDonald’s All-American, Parade All-American, Slam Magazine All-American & USA Today All-American. He was also a three-time All-State First Team selection and led Woodbridge to a California Interscholastic Federation Championship in 1997.

Chris and his wife Lesa, a former Ute soccer player, have three daughters; Kelli Jo, Zoey and Ava, and two boys named Beckham and Zachary.

[UtahsMrSports]

Chris Burgess announced he'll be joining Utah's staff as an undergraduate assistant this year

He helped with Utah's elite camp last week and announced his retirement from professional ball as well.

I really like how much our current coaching staff tries to involve our alumni

As a practicing Mormon, I stand opposed to this decision. I join hands with my fellow Latter-Day Saints in Ghana, Ecquador, the Philippine Islands, Latvia and across the world. We are still outraged and deeply hurt that Chris chose not to attend our flagship school.

In all seriousness, I am excited aobut this move. Loved Chris during his time here. Looking forward to him adding to our talent and helping us grow.

And as I like to say, there are elite coaches, there are great coaches. There are good coaches and average coaches. There are bad coaches and coaches who have absolutely no business coaching even a third grade jr jazz team. And then there is Roger Reid.

[mpfunk]

Chris Burgess announced he'll be joining Utah's staff as an undergraduate assistant this year

He helped with Utah's elite camp last week and announced his retirement from professional ball as well.

I really like how much our current coaching staff tries to involve our alumni

I think bringing in alums is smart. It will be even more smart when we bring in Andre Miller when he retires from the NBA.

[LA Ute]

Maybe Chris and Lesa Burgess (both former D1 athletes) will send their kids to the U. We need some legacies!

[U-Ute]

Maybe Chris and Lesa Burgess (both former D1 athletes) will send their kids to the U. We need some legacies!

It will become Alpine U vs Cottonwood Heights U.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

I think bringing in alums is smart. It will be even more smart when we bring in Andre Miller when he retires from the NBA.

Nice try Funk. Like Andre will ever retire from the NBA.