Any PBA takers for Scott?

MANILA, Philippines — Former NBA Coach of the Year Byron Scott has expressed an interest to take a job in the PBA and brandishing an impressive resume, is prepared to make an impact as an active consultant. Paul Howard, a long-time Philippine basketball observer and a consultant with the national squad under coach Joseph Uichico for the 2002 Busan Asian Games, put in a good word for Scott whom he coached at Arizona State.

“There’s a place for Byron in the PBA,” said Howard who was the late Ron Jacobs’ best friend and for years, seeded PBA teams with imports and college squads with Fil-Ams. “If you check Byron’s record, you’ll know why I’m recommending him. He can be an active coaching consultant with a team that’s struggling to be competitive or in the cusp of winning a championship but can’t seem to get over the hump.” Howard said Scott, who is married to Fil-Am registered nurse and “Basketball Wives” actress Cecilia (CeCe) Gutierrez, will fly over to Manila in a heartbeat.

“Byron was a great college player at Arizona State where I worked with him as an assistant coach,” said the Los Angeles-based Howard. “He was without a doubt one of the best all-around players I’ve known. Byron is big on fundamentals and understands that a successful team has to be grounded on the basics. He played with Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy in the NBA.”

Howard said Scott has the ability to teach his skills to players at the pro level. “Byron stresses fundamentals, spends a lot of time with his offense and defense and is a positive person,” said Howard. “I’m sure the PBA team that takes a chance on him will be in a win-type situation.”

Scott, 63, played on three NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers teams. He saw action in 14 NBA seasons with LA, Indiana and Vancouver, ending his career in 1996-97. Scott was a Sacramento Kings assistant coach before taking on the head position at New Jersey, New Orleans, Cleveland and Los Angeles. In 2008, he was named NBA Coach of the Year with the New Orleans Hornets. Scott is one of only four NBA coaches to helm the Eastern and Western Conferences in the All-Star Game. A bachelor of arts degree holder in Liberal Studies, Scott is ready to take the coaching plunge overseas. In his bio-data, Scott said he is “seeking a position as basketball coach in the PBA.”