Sammy Duane Jr. steps down as Corona hoops coach

Authors

Les Willsey

Staff Writer, AZPreps365.com

Sammy Duane Jr. steps down as Corona hoops coach

April 13, 2015 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365

Sammy Duane Jr. stunned most of the Arizona prep basketball world Monday by announcing his resignation as boys basketball coach after 12 years at Corona del Sol that brought with it an incredible run the past four seasons.

Duane Jr., who mentored four successive Division I state titles between 2012 and 2015 including the most recent one just more than a month ago, penned a letter to the players, support staff and families at the school thanking them for the last 12 years. He'll continue to teach at Corona and plans on continuing pursuit of additional education to possibly enter school administration in the near future.

"I am at a point where I want to step back," Duane Jr. said. "I have another year to get my administrative certificate, and I'd like to maybe travel and see my brother (David)'s sons play. I'll going to keep my options open. I may not be done coaching. Right now I need a little break."

Duane Jr. has a 278-85 record in 12 years as Corona del Sol's head coach. In the Aztecs' four-year title run, Corona is 128-7. Just last week Duane Jr. was named MaxPreps National Coach of the Year. The Aztecs have two great pieces returning next year in guard Alex Barcello and post Marvin Bagley III.

"I'm not sure behind the scenes that a lot of people understand the pressure that came with all the success, especially recently," Corona athletic director Dan Nero said. "All the expectations, winning another title, going undefeated. That can wear on you. I think that was part of it. I think he just wanted to step back and take a breath. Be able to relax more. He had a huge challenge every year. He was so focused on meeting the challenge."

Duane Jr. has won more than 300 games as a high school head coach counting a stint at Mesquite High when it opened in the late 1990s prior to taking over at Corona del Sol. Duane Jr. has essentially coached at one level or another (junior college or high school) since graduating from Corona. He's coached 24 years total at the high school and junior college level.

Duane Jr.'s letter appears below:

Dear Aztec Family,

As some of you may know by now, I have resigned my position as the Basketball Coach at Corona del Sol. I have taken the necessary time after the conclusion of the season to make sure this is the right decision for me and feel the time is right.

I believe I have given my best to Corona Basketball the last 12 years and have enjoyed being your coach. I now want to take some time and look at all my options going forward. It is also very important for me to finish my administrative certification which will allow me to grow both professionally and personally.

I want to sincerely thank each and every parent that has been a part of our program. Your support of me and the program has been a huge part of our success and for that I am grateful. I hope in some small way I have impacted your son in a positive way.

I would like to thank every player that I have had the pleasure to coach for their hard work and sacrifices. I treasure the great relationships that we have formed and look forward to continuing these in the future.

Thank you to my administration, faculty, staff, student body and all my coaches for our tremendous help and support. I appreciate each and every one of you!!

I hope everyone will understand and support my decision. It has been a wonderful 12 years and I will always cherish my time as the coach at Corona del Sol.

Sincerely,

Sam Duane