Longhorns Ex LaMarcus Aldridge Interested in Joining Texas Coaching Staff - Report

One of the best players in program history, LaMarcus Aldridge spent two seasons in Austin, taking the Texas Longhorns to the Elite Eight in 2008 while coach Rodney Terry was an assistant under Rick Barnes.

AUSTIN, Texas -- The Texas Longhorns revealed some new changes and additions to coach Rodney Terry's staff on Tuesday.

But could a major and familiar face also be making his way to the Texas staff? 

Per reports from Horns247 (paid content), sources say that former Longhorns forward LaMarcus Aldridge has reportedly discussed with Terry and crew about joining the staff as a “special assistant” and that Aldridge will “definitely be involved” with the team in some form this upcoming season.

“He has talked to us about wanting to coach,” sources told Horns247, per the report.

One of the best players in program history, Aldridge spent two seasons in Austin, taking Texas to the Elite Eight in 2008. Both of those seasons featured Terry as well, who was an assistant on coach Rick Barnes’ staff. Aldridge averaged 13.5 points and 8.2 rebounds during his time on the Forty Acres.

He would go on to become a seven-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection while ending his career at No. 46 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 20,588 points in the regular season.

Aldridge was originally drafted No. 2 overall in 2006 by the Chicago Bulls before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers on draft night. He then spent the next nine seasons in Portland, where he became one of the league's most dangerous scoring threats in the post and from mid-range.

The former Longhorn called it quits for the second and seemingly final time on March 31 when he announced his retirement after a 16-year playing career.

Aldridge had previously retired in April 2021 during his time with the Brooklyn Nets due to the discovery of a heart condition but returned to the team in September of that year after it was deemed safe.

He joined the Nets in March 2021 after being waived by the San Antonio Spurs, who he had played the previous five seasons with.

But though any rumors are far from official or confirmed, he could now be heading toward the next stage of his basketball career with his alma mater.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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