The story of Brandon Roy has been told many times. But what happened to Roy after his decrepit knees gave way? Did he keep hooping? Start coaching? Move to Malaysia?
It feels like his tale is often cut short, the classic story of a career ended by injury. But what he did after his playing career may be even more impressive. Here’s how the ex-Blazer became a three-time state champion.
The North Side
After his playing career ended, it felt like he fell off the face of the couch. The three-time All-Star, 2006-07 Rookie of the Year, and one time Portland savior had to face most athletes’ worst fear.
The irrelevancy bug.
His career stymied so fast that it felt like a Covid era funeral; there was no time to mourn.
But his bounceback proved impressive.
At 32, roughly four years after his retirement, he returned to the hardwood as the Head Coach at Nathan Hale High School (Seattle).
Hale is a historically underwhelming program that was coming off a 3-18 season before his return.
But boy, did that all change.
Fueled by the transfers of future NBAers Michael Porter Jr. and his little brother Jontay Porter. The Raiders finished the year as undefeated state champions with wins over national powers such as Sierra Canyon (CA) and Oak Hill Academy (VA).
The state title was Hale’s first, and Roy was named the Naismith National Coach of the Year in 2017.
The South Side
After taking a once desolate program to the highest honors, he decided a career change was in order.
So he scootered 19 miles down Interstate 5, returning to his alma mater in Garfield High School.
But before we continue, let’s make one thing clear.
Hale is not Garfield.
The Bulldogs don one of the most prestigious basketball programs in the Pacific Northwest. They have 16 state championships to their name.
Some of their alumni include Tony Wroten, Will Conroy, and Jaylen Nowell.
So the move put immediate pressure on Roy to perform.
But he put the pressure back on pressure, immediately taking Garfield to the highest level.
In his first year in 2018, he led the Bulldogs to the state championship. In 2020 they got another one.
As a head coach, his record currently stands at 82-6, including three championships in three full seasons.
More to the Story?
Put some respect on the man’s name.
There have been rumors about recruiting allegations ever since his inaugural season at Hale.
Much of the gossip revolved around the Porter brothers and how they ended up on the west coast.
And while Roy’s NBA pedigree certainly didn’t hurt the brother joining the team, that doesn’t mean he did anything wrong.
The bros’ biggest connection was actually with former UW coach Lorenzo Romar.
According to a bleacher report article, “ The boys’ father Michael Porter, Sr. have been long time friends, and their connections run deep.”
The article also added, “ Romar coached Porter, Sr. in the early 1990s and is Porter Jr.’s godfather.”
So the criticism feels unwarranted, especially given the way Roy re-created himself.
He didn’t come back as a pompous announcer or a high-profit coach; he returned to his roots.
Put some respect on the man’s name.
