BleedGopher
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per Marcus:
Amir Coffey's lasting legacy with Gophers basketball is being that local high school star who made it cool again to be a hometown hero.
A few years later, Coffey continues to represent his state as the face of the Gophers in the NBA.
A fourth-year guard for the Los Angeles Clippers, Coffey's started the NBA preseason strong this October. He has picked up where he left off last season when he produced career-high numbers.
The Clippers, who host Coffey's hometown Timberwolves on Sunday in L.A., have given the ex-Gophers standout opportunities so far in preseason, even with the return of stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard from injuries.
The Hopkins product averaged 9.0 points and shot 38% from three-point range with 30 starts in 2021-22. His 15-point effort on Monday to lead the Clippers against Portland was a sign his confidence continues to soar.
This year Coffey went from a two-way contract player to earning a standard NBA deal: a three-year, $11 million contract signed in June.
"It's a dream come true," Coffey told the Star Tribune earlier. "Just playing in the league and doing something I've been wanting to do since I was a kid. Just putting all that work in and having it pay off is a good feeling."
Coffey's success story helps second-year Gophers coach Ben Johnson sell to recruits how they can get to the next level through the same program. Coffey's happy to fill that role for his former coach.
"He was one of the main reasons why I went there," Coffey said about Johnson, who recruited him as a Gophers assistant. "He recruited me since the seventh and eighth grade. Just building that relationship over the years meant a lot. I'm excited for him. I'm proud of him. And I know he's proud of me."
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
Amir Coffey's lasting legacy with Gophers basketball is being that local high school star who made it cool again to be a hometown hero.
A few years later, Coffey continues to represent his state as the face of the Gophers in the NBA.
A fourth-year guard for the Los Angeles Clippers, Coffey's started the NBA preseason strong this October. He has picked up where he left off last season when he produced career-high numbers.
The Clippers, who host Coffey's hometown Timberwolves on Sunday in L.A., have given the ex-Gophers standout opportunities so far in preseason, even with the return of stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard from injuries.
The Hopkins product averaged 9.0 points and shot 38% from three-point range with 30 starts in 2021-22. His 15-point effort on Monday to lead the Clippers against Portland was a sign his confidence continues to soar.
This year Coffey went from a two-way contract player to earning a standard NBA deal: a three-year, $11 million contract signed in June.
"It's a dream come true," Coffey told the Star Tribune earlier. "Just playing in the league and doing something I've been wanting to do since I was a kid. Just putting all that work in and having it pay off is a good feeling."
Coffey's success story helps second-year Gophers coach Ben Johnson sell to recruits how they can get to the next level through the same program. Coffey's happy to fill that role for his former coach.
"He was one of the main reasons why I went there," Coffey said about Johnson, who recruited him as a Gophers assistant. "He recruited me since the seventh and eighth grade. Just building that relationship over the years meant a lot. I'm excited for him. I'm proud of him. And I know he's proud of me."
Amir Coffey keeps making Gophers proud as his stock rises in NBA with L.A. Clippers
The former Hopkins and Gophers star is picking up where he left off this preseason after a career year last season. Coffey and the Clippers play his hometown Timberwolves this weekend.
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
