Transition to coaching "rewarding" for Sasha Stefanovic, who shined in Purdue alumni game
WEST LAFAYETTE – Sasha Stefanovic hasn’t lost his shooting touch.
Seven 3-pointers during Saturday’s alumni game at Mackey Arena provided enough evidence the sharpshooter is still capable of burying long-range baskets.
“We know he can still do that,” Robbie Hummel said.
Stefanovic was part of the Gold Team’s 88-74 victory over the Black Team before Purdue’s intrasquad scrimmage performance as the Boilermakers embark on their four-game European trip this week.
The Crown Point graduate has plenty of opportunities to fine-tune his shooting. Purdue coach Matt Painter hired Stefanovic, one of the program’s top 3-point shooters, as Director of Player Personnel as he makes the transition to coaching.
“I’m in here enough where I can make some shots,” said Stefanovic, who scored 21 points. “If you have it, you should be able to shoot for a while. I’m still young enough. I like the shots going in.”
So did the 6,000-plus fans who came to Mackey Arena to honor the more than 30 alumni, watch the current team – minus reigning National Player of the Year Zach Edey – and recognize former coach Gene Keady, who will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame next weekend.
“It was cool,” Stefanovic said. “It was a fun time that we had. Whether it was guys from the 70s and 80s, it was cool to get out there and have fun, chuck up some shots and play no defense, which coaches probably didn’t like.”
As far as pursuing the coaching profession, it wasn’t on Stefanovic’s radar until he reached college.
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After leaving the Boilermakers following the 2021-22 season, he played in the NBA Summer League with the San Antonio Spurs before heading overseas to play for Serbia.
“I wanted to be involved in the game of basketball, but I wasn’t shooting for being a coach,” Stefanovic said. “It wasn’t something that I aspired to be until I got into college and started getting more confident in the idea I could do it. Now that I’m in it, I’m really excited to dive fully 100% into this and see where it takes me.”
Along with coaching, Stefanovic will also aid in on-campus recruiting, player development and statistical analysis. He’s officially been on the job for nearly two months but already sees the benefits.
“It’s a different experience being here and seeing a different side of things,” Stefanovic said. “But it’s been a good two months, getting used to things and how things are operating, recruiting and practices and everything that goes into being a coach. It’s been rewarding so far.”
