Landon Buford
Earlier this summer Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Jay Hernandez made an appearance on the “Scoop B Radio” Podcast with Brandon “Scoop B Robinson.” Hernandez will serve under head coach, James Borrego this season. Last season he was a part of former Orlando Magic Head Coach Frank Vogel’s staff, who was fired earlier this summer.
Last season Hernandez focused on player development before games and behind the scene as a part of the Magic coaching staff. The Long Island, New York native, played at Hofstra University under current Villanova Wildcat Head Coach Jay Wright. He was also teammates with former San Antonio Spur, NBA Champion Speedy Claxton, who is now an assistant coach at Hofstra University.
During the podcast, Scoop B and Hernandez discussed his journey to the NBA.
“When people ask me: ‘how did you get to where you are?’ I say the same thing over and over again; it sounds a little cheesy or cliché: ‘you have to love what you do.’ Within that, you’re going to have days that are really hard, and only that love will take you past the will of wanting to quit so for me it’s about perseverance, it’s about hard work. That’s why my tagline is always rep your work,” Hernandez told the Scoop B Radio Podcast.
Yesterday, the Charlotte Hornets took on the Dallas Mavericks for their fifth and final preseason game, which saw them beat the Mavs 123-118 on the road. After the game, I had the opportunity to speak with Coach Hernandez about his time playing, for now, two-time national championship coach Jay Wright. Also, get his thoughts on him being a part of the Team USA’s coaching staff.
“I learned a lot about leadership skills and how to control a team being a point guard for him and playing alongside Speedy Claxton. He did a great job getting us to play our roles and creating a culture that had not been there before at Hofstra. You can see what he did at Villanova winning two national championships, so the fact that he is an assistant coach with Team USA Basketball doesn’t surprise me”, Hernandez told me.
“He would continue by stating that “I was extremely happy for him he has been with Team USA for a very long time running the younger teams. For him to be selected with other great professional coaches that shows the level of respect that everyone has for him. Regardless of level, everyone knows that he is one of the best in the game. So, having a guy like him, who knows how to work with players and build relationships he is the perfect guy be in that position. ”
The Hornets will begin their regular season next week at home against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 17.
