Edney named UCLA director of basketball operations

Former UCLA legend Tyus Edney was announced as the new director of operations for men's basketball on Monday. Edney, who played in the NBA for four seasons and played several years overseas, had talked about getting into coaching, and now he has his avenue.

"I'm really excited that Tyus is joining our staff and returning to the UCLA men's basketball program," UCLA men's basketball coach Ben Howland said in a press release. "He's a Bruin through and through having graduated from UCLA and brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to the program. I feel our student-athletes will benefit greatly from dealing with Tyus on a daily basis because he has experienced the things they will experience here at UCLA."

Edney is beloved among Bruin fans for his coast-to-coast layup in the second round of the 1995 NCAA Tournament against Missouri. His 4.8-second sprint led UCLA to a one-point victory and into the Sweet 16, and the Bruins ultimately won the tournament for the school's last national title and 11th overall.

Edney, a three-year starter and three-time All-Pac-10 first-team selection, ranks second on the UCLA leaderboard in career assists (652, 5.2 apg), third in steals (224, 1.8 spg), third in free throws made (450), seventh in free throws attempted (559), ninth in free throw percentage (.805, 450-559) and 20th in scoring with 1,515 points (12.1 ppg).

"It's really exciting for me. It's going to be a great opportunity, and it's something I've always wanted to do," Edney said. "Having a chance to come back to my university, I feel like I'm coming back home."