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MPBA's Guyton hired by Windy City Bulls

By Craig Fata, 09/30/16, 1:00PM CDT

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League's Assoc. Commissioner to be assistant coach for Nate Loesner

 

ST. LOUIS – One of the key members of the Midwest Professional Basketball Association’s front office has accepted a position with the Windy City Bulls of the National Basketball Development League (NBA D-League).

A.J. Guyton, one of the league’s associate commissioners and its director of basketball personnel, will join the Hoffman Estates-based Bulls as an assistant coach to top man Nate Loesner.

"It's truly an honor to be a part of a storied franchise like the Chicago Bulls once again,” Guyton said. “I'd like to thank Jim Morris for giving me my first coaching opportunity with the Central Illinois Drive, Scott Henderson for giving me the opportunity to continue coaching with  the Bloomington Flex, and Ed Schumer for giving me the opportunity administratively in player/coach development in the MPBA. Each of these opportunities helped prepare me for the opportunity with the Windy City Bulls. Coaching with my former organization close to home is just icing on the cake.

"I'm equally grateful to Nate Loesner for recognizing my potential and giving me an opportunity. Teaming with Nate and a great basketball mind like Bobby Lutz will undoubtedly help me develop as a coach."

Guyton expects to still be able to consult with the MPBA. Guyton provided Commissioner Ed Schumer valuable guidance during the league’s infancy when it began play in 2015. Guyton’s responsibilities included hiring coaches, evaluating talent, and running clinics and combines for the league.

“I couldn’t be more proud of A.J.,” said Schumer. “He’s got the coaching skills, he’s got the people skills, he’s got the eye for talent, and I have no doubt that not only will he help the Windy City Bulls be successful, but that this is just another step in his own journey.”

Guyton was a four-year starter for Bob Knight from 1996-2000 at Indiana University, where he was named a Consensus All-American as a senior. He was then drafted by the Chicago Bulls, where he played for two seasons. He also spent time with the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors before embarking on a nine-year career overseas.

The Peoria native is heralded as one of the best point guards ever to come out of that city, starring at Peoria Central. He also won two Coach of the Year awards at the minor league level, when he led the Central Illinois Drive and Bloomington (Illinois) Flex to back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013, and an 18-0 record in 2014. He then led the Flex on an eleven-game tour of China in 2015. Guyton’s three-year record as a head coach was 54-5.