PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns G League team, the Valley Suns, released a statement announcing the promotion of Paul Jesperson to head coach. Jesperson was a part of the coaching staff last year under then head coach John Little in the franchise’s inaugural season. The 32-year-old was ready to take a job on the Sacramento Kings coaching staff for the 2025-2026 season before getting the offer to be the head coach.
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Mar 20, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Northern Iowa Panthers guard Paul Jesperson (4) walks off the court after losing to the Texas A&M Aggies in double overtime during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Aggies beat the Rams 92-88. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Valley Suns GM Brendan Sabean on Jesperson:
“Paul is ready to take this next step in his career as he moves into the role of head coach,” said Valley Suns General Manager Brendan Sabean in an Aug. 18 news release. “His background and experience complement our vision to utilize the G League as a lifeline of development for Suns and Valley Suns players. He’s a natural fit for the job and I’m looking forward to seeing the impact he can make as head coach.”
Valley Suns Coach John Little speaks to members of the media ahead of open tryouts at Sun Devil Fitness Complex on Sept. 7, 2024, in Tempe. © Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
After Little was hired to be a part of Suns head coach Jordan Ott’s coaching staff, the G League team wanted to stay internal for its next hire and elected Jesperson to lead the team in its second season at Mullett Arena. His previous coaching experience is being an assistant coach for the Oklahoma Sooners and a player development coach with the Atlanta Hawks for two seasons.
Jesperson had a memorable college basketball career, as he famously hit a half-court buzzer beater for Northern Iowa against Texas in the 2016 NCAA Tournament to pull off the massive upset. Sadly, the very next round the Panthers would blow a 10-point lead in the final 30 seconds to NBA Champion Alex Caruso and the Texas A&M Aggies.
Jalen Bridges (15) of the Valley Suns dunks during a game against the San Diego Clippers on Jan. 31, 2025, in Tempe.
Despite being in only its second season, the Valley Suns will already have its second head coach in franchise history. Jesperson will have to follow a strong debut performance from Little, as the team made it to the quarterfinals last season.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
