Devan Newman, the newest assistant coach for Arizona women’s basketball, has coaching in her blood. Her father, the late Don “Duck” Newman, was a college coach for a decade and an NBA assistant for almost two decades. Newman is excited to join the Wildcats and work with head coach Becky Burke, whom she has known since Burke’s playing days at Louisville.

Newman’s Coaching Background

Newman got her start in coaching as a graduate assistant and assistant director of operations at Louisville. She then spent 13 years coaching under Bethann Shapiro Ord at Weber State and Binghamton. Newman’s experience and passion for the game made her a great fit for the Arizona program.

Newman’s tactical philosophy is similar to Burke’s, with a focus on defense first. She is looking forward to bringing her expertise to the team and helping the Wildcats succeed. Newman also has ties to the Western part of the country, having spent years coaching in the Four Corners area, which could be beneficial for recruiting.

A Smooth Transition

Burke has been trying to hire Newman for a while, and the timing finally worked out. Newman is excited to be a part of the Arizona program and is looking forward to working with the team. She feels blessed to be able to do what she loves every day and is passionate about the game.

Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.