LOS ANGELES – When new Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton looked to round out his coaching staff this summer, he turned to his former program for help. Walton has hired fellow former Wildcat Jud Buechler as player development coach for the team.

Buechler was a First Team All-Pac 10 selection during his Arizona career from 1986 to 1990, which included being a part of Arizona's first-ever Final Four appearance in 1988 NCAA Tournament. Buechler's senior season saw the California native average 14.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.

He went on to a 12-year NBA career, highlighted by his trio of championships won with the Chicago Bulls. Buechler is one of 12 former Wildcats to win a NBA title. He's also one of the many former Wildcats who have combined to sign over $1.25 billion in NBA contracts.

Buechler joins Luke Walton's staff with the Lakers after Walton's three-year stint as an assistant coach with the 2015 NBA Champions, the Golden State Warriors. Buechler is also part of the contingency of nearly 20 former Wildcats on a NBA roster as a player or coach for the 2016-17.
 
Former Wildcats in the NBA Entering Training Camp (as of Aug. 19, 2016)

As a player
Jerryd Bayless (Philadelphia 76ers)
Channing Frye (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Aaron Gordon (Orlando Magic)
Jordan Hill (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Solomon Hill (New Orleans Pelicans)
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Brooklyn Nets)
Andre Iguodala (Golden State Warriors)
Richard Jefferson (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Grant Jerrett (Portland Trail Blazers)
Stanley Johnson (Detroit Pistons)
T.J. McConnell (Philadelphia 76ers)
Jason Terry (Milwaukee Bucks)
Derrick Williams (Miami Heat)
 
As a coach
Brett Brielmaier, assistant coach (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Jud Buechler, player development coach (Los Angeles Lakers)
Bruce Fraser, player development coach (Golden State Warriors)
Steve Kerr, head coach (Golden State Warriors)
Luke Walton, head coach (Los Angeles Lakers)