PHOENIX – Another name has been revealed to be joining new Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott’s coaching staff next season in Valley Suns head coach John Little. He has been a part of DeMarre Carroll’s staff in the Suns Summer League team the past few weeks and will now make the jump to Ott’s staff.
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Jun 10, 2025; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott during an introductory press conference at the Verizon 5g Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
How Little found his way to the Suns:
In the Valley Suns inaugural season, Little brought the G-League team to a 20-14 record, making the playoffs as the fifth seed in the Western Conference. The team would lose to the Stockton Kings in the conference Semi-Finals, who would go on to win the G League championship, but it was stellar debut season for Little and his roster.
Before coming to the Valley, Little was on the Wisconsin Herd’s coaching staff. The Peoria, Illinois native spent four years with the team before joining the Main Celtics in 2023-2024 season, leading them to the second seed and appearing the the G League Finals.
Little played at the University of Northern Iowa. Little player with the panthers for four seasons and made three straight NCAA tournament appearances. He averaged 7.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in his final season with the program.
March 4, 2006 St. Louis, MO, USA; Southern Illinois Salukis guard Jamaal Tatum (3) tries to get past Northern Iowa Panthers guard John Little (11) during the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at the Savvis Center. Mandatory credit: Photo By Dilip Vishwanat-Imagn Images
After his collegiate career was over, Little went overseas to play professionally in Germany. He was a part of a FIBA Europe Cup championship team with the Fraport Skyliners. Little spent a decade playing overseas before returning to Northern Iowa as a video coordinator for his Alma Mater.
After three years, Little got the opportunity with the Herd, then the Maine Celtics and finally with the Valley Suns this past season. This will be Little’s first chance coaching in the NBA and joins the staff of an established staff with DeMarre Carroll, JEsse Mermuys, Brian Randle and Chaisson Allen.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
