What's Happening?
Former Houston Rockets forward Corey Brewer has accepted a new coaching position, joining Arkansas State as an assistant coach. This move follows his tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he spent six seasons in player development before being promoted
to an assistant coach for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. Brewer, who had a 13-year NBA career, also remains active in the sport by playing in the BIG3 league during the summer. His time with the Houston Rockets was his second-longest NBA stop, playing 196 games over three seasons. During his time with the Rockets, he averaged 7.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.2 blocks in 20.4 minutes per game. Brewer's professional career also includes winning two NCAA titles and the 2011 NBA Finals with the Dallas Mavericks.
Why It's Important?
Corey Brewer's transition to an assistant coaching role at Arkansas State is significant for several reasons. For Arkansas State, it brings a coach with extensive NBA playing experience and recent coaching experience from the New Orleans Pelicans. Brewer's background as a two-time NCAA champion and an NBA champion provides a valuable perspective on success at both collegiate and professional levels, which can greatly benefit the development of young players. His experience in player development with the Pelicans indicates a strong understanding of nurturing talent. For Brewer, this move represents a new chapter in his post-playing career, allowing him to further contribute to basketball from a coaching standpoint and potentially build a long-term career in collegiate coaching. This also highlights the trend of former NBA players transitioning into coaching roles, bringing their on-court knowledge to the next generation.
What's Next?
Corey Brewer will now integrate into the Arkansas State coaching staff, focusing on player development and strategic contributions. His immediate next steps will involve familiarizing himself with the team's roster, coaching philosophy, and preparing for the upcoming collegiate basketball season. His presence is expected to influence recruiting efforts, as his NBA pedigree could attract prospective student-athletes. Over the next few seasons, Brewer will likely work to establish himself as a key figure in the program, potentially aiming for higher coaching roles in the future, either within the collegiate ranks or eventually returning to the NBA as a coach. His continued participation in the BIG3 league also suggests he will maintain a connection to professional basketball while fulfilling his coaching duties.
Beyond the Headlines
Brewer's move to Arkansas State underscores a broader trend in sports where former professional athletes leverage their on-court experience to mentor and develop new talent. This transition often brings a unique blend of practical knowledge and competitive insight that academic coaching alone might not provide. His journey from a successful player to a player development specialist and now an assistant coach illustrates a structured career progression within the basketball ecosystem. This also highlights the increasing value placed on direct professional experience in collegiate sports programs, as universities seek to offer their athletes the best possible guidance for future professional aspirations. Brewer's dual role as a coach and active player in the BIG3 league also showcases a dedication to the sport that extends beyond a single career path.
