Rockets assistant coach Royal Ivey named to Texas Athletics Hall of Honor
Houston Rockets assistant coach Royal Ivey, who previously played in college at the University of Texas and then for several NBA teams, will soon be inducted into the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor.
Ivey is among 10 individuals that will be recognized as the Class of 2025 during a Sept. 12 induction ceremony in Austin. Details on the ceremony are available here.
From his Texas Hall of Honor biography:
A four-year starter at both point guard and shooting guard during his career at Texas, Royal Ivey left his mark as one of the top one-on-one perimeter defenders in program history.
A two-time Big 12 Conference All-Defensive Team selection, he finished his collegiate career ranked first in games started (126), tied for third in games played (133), and 24th in scoring (1,036 points). Ivey helped lead the Longhorns to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including three-straight trips to the Sweet 16 (2002, 2003, and 2004) and a spot in the 2003 Final Four.
In addition to Ivey's extensive NBA ties, both as a player and assistant coach, the 43-year-old was also the head coach when South Sudan secured its first-ever Olympic berth and victory during the 2024 Olympics cycle. He has been considered for NBA head coaching jobs in recent years and might soon land one, though he's returning to the staff of Ime Udoka for at least one more season in Houston.
As for the Texas Hall of Honor, Ivey joins Kevin Durant and DJ Augustin as current members of the Rockets who are part of that exclusive club of Longhorns legends. Durant was acquired by trade this offseason, and Augustin is a former player who is back with Houston as a front-office member.
Both Durant (2006-07) and Augustin (2006-08) also played at Texas during the 2000s decade, although a few years later than Ivey (2001-04).
More: Despite external coaching inquiries, Royal Ivey likely to stay with Rockets, Ime Udoka
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