By Ryan Novitsky, Athletic Communications Director
When one looks at
the staff directory of the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a few familiar names jump out as they are legends in the league: Patrick Ewing, Associate Head Coach, who starred for the New York Knicks, and of course, Chairman and “His Airness” himself, six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan.
But another name on this list is Bruce Kreutzer, a graduate of the State University of New Paltz where he earned his Bachelors in social sciences. Kreutzer has spent over 40 years in the coaching ranks and is an assistant coach for the Hornets, joining the organization in July 2015.
Kreutzer, 66, can be found in the all-time record books for New Paltz men’s basketball, taking the eighth-most free throws in single-season history, attempting 159 in 1970-71. Although he only played for the Hawks for two seasons, Kreutzer still holds fond memories of the campus and the town.
“The full experience of college was special,” Kreutzer explained. “What I remember most is the comradery and the atmosphere of campus. This was a lively era during the Vietnam War and with peace rallies going on; it added to the college experience.”
Unfortunately, Kreutzer’s playing career was derailed due to injury, but this gave him an opportunity to remain within in the sport in a different facet through coaching.
“At one point, I had to stop being a player but I was passionate about this sport,” stated Kreutzer. “I’ve spent over 40 years in coaching, from high school to college to professional ranks.”
Prior to the Hornets, Kreutzer served as a shooting consultant for the NBA Development League from 2008-11 and the Philadelphia 76ers from 2008-10. Kreutzer served as lead shooting instructor and player development coach after joining former Hornets assistant coach and four-time NBA All-Star Mark Price in forming the Mark Price Shooting Lab at Suwanee Sports Academy in 2006.
While working at Suwanee Sports Academy, Kreutzer can be seen in a tutorial video, with links here:
Shooting Science (Part One) |
Shooting Science (Part Two).
He also served as head coach of the ABA’s Atlanta Vision (2006-2008), where the team won the Southern Division and made an Elite Eight appearance.
Kreutzer has previous ties to Charlotte having served as an assistant coach at Queens University in Charlotte – reaching the NCAA Division II Final Four in 2003 – and UNC Charlotte, as well as head coach at Garinger High School, where he won the 4A Boys North Carolina State High School Title in 1989.
He also served as post graduate head coach at Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, Va. and led the team to a No. 9 national ranking in 2006, developing more than 20 Division I college players in his tenure.
As impressive as his professional resume is, Kreutzer credits his roots back to New Paltz and his experience as a player to continue his passion.
“New Paltz provided me with everything; it’s part of me and it’s my school,” Kreutzer explained. “The school gave me the opportunity to continue my basketball career; I was hurt my senior year but I was still learning about the game every day and compiled everything I learned.
“I wish the athletic department and the basketball teams well,” he expressed.
When speaking about life in the NBA, Kreutzer couldn’t deny that it’s a “wild ride” but working for the Hornets organization is the nicest working environment that he has been a part of, and this of course starts with Jordan.
“I’m grateful to have the chance to come back home and work in Charlotte,” he explained. “Plus, working for Michael Jordan is pretty cool.”
But working in the NBA is a fast-paced setting and volatile, meaning lots of change-over with staff and players due to salary disputes and free agency. However, Kreutzer manages to enjoy this every step of the way.
“I typically work 12-15 hour days, getting to the office and gym around 7 a.m. and leaving around 11 p.m. on game nights,” he stated. “Everything moves so fast and days blend together; you try to remember everything.
“We have to prepare for possibly 18 games in a 32-day span or three games in five days,” Kreutzer continued. “The team takes long road trips, sometimes 11-12 days at a time going out west.”
The 2016-17 season has the Hornets off to a good start, which is one of the best starts in franchise history. As of Nov. 15, Charlotte is 6-3 and in second place in the Southeast Division.
The Hornets roster is chock full of former NCAA Division I standouts in Kemba Walker (UConn), Marvin Williams (UNC), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Kentucky), Roy Hibbert (Georgetown), Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin), Jeremy Lamb (UConn), Cody Zeller (Indiana) and Spencer Hawes (Washington).
“Every day is new and I’m working with the greatest athletes in world every day. I was given this opportunity and I am taking full advantage of it. My dream has come true at 66 years of age!”
Kreutzer and his wife, Nancy, have two children, Jennifer and Kevin, as well as four grandchildren, Kaitlin, Ashley, Carter and Mackenzie.
Information courtesy of Charlotte Hornets Media Relations
