Byron Scott, Lionel Hollins Honored: ASU Celebrates Its Past

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Byron Scott and Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins were celebrated at halftime of Arizona State's game against Washington on Thursday night in an acknowledgement of their excellent careers both during and after their time at ASU.

The celebration on Thursday evening was long overdue, considering both Scott and Hollins were great contributors to some of the best ASU teams of the past. Scott was flanked by his wife and daughter, while Hollins was also joined at center court by his wife.

The crowd was respectful and loud, cheering emphatically for both NBA coaches. The sizable Washington Huskies contingent joined in the applause.

James Harden, sitting courtside with Antwi Atuahene, was distracted during the festivities, and was seen taking a picture with an enthusiastic Sun Devil fan. When your current team is so bad, it only elevates Harden's memory even higher. I'm not blaming him - he's a nice guy to take a picture with a fan, even if it was at a bad time.

The ceremony was tasteful and the unfurling of the rafter-bound jerseys was well done. Both deserved this, and we can expect both James Harden and Ike Diogu to head to the rafters within the next ten years.

Picture: Lionel Hollins' And Byron Scott's Jerseys In The Rafters

Cavaliers Coach Byron Scott And Grizzles Coach Lionel Hollins To Be Honored By ASU

Before Thursday's game against the Washington Huskies, the Arizona State Sun Devils will honor former players Lionel Hollins and Byron Scott by raising their jerseys to the rafters. Hollins is currently the head coach of the Memphis Grizzles and Scott is currently the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Hollins played point guard for the Sun Devils from 1973-75. The Sun Devils posted records of 18-9 and 25-4 during those two seasons while Hollins averaged 17.3 and 16.7 points per game, respectively. He was drafted sixth overall in the 1975 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, and he won an NBA title with the 1977 Trail Blazers during his 10-year career.

His Memphis Grizzles are 30-26 this season and are looking for their first playoff appearance since 2006 as they trail the Utah Jazz by half a game for the eighth spot in the West.

Byron Scott played shooting guard for the Sun Devils for three years (79-80. 80-81 and 82-83) and posted an impressive 43-11 record (for a winning percentage of .796) during his tenure with ASU. He ended his Sun Devil career as the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,572 points; today he ranks sixth. Scott was drafted fourth overall in the 1983 NBA draft by the San Diego Clippers. He played for 14 seasons and captured three rings with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1985, 1987, and 1988.

His Cleveland Cavaliers, following the departure of Lebron James this off-season, have the worst record in the NBA  (9-46). Scott, however, is a very good coach. He coached the New Jersey Nets to two straight NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003, and he led the Hornets to two straight playoff appearances during his four-year tenure in New Orleans.  Given time, Scott just might be able to turn the Cavaliers around over the next few seasons.

Hollins and Scott are two of the most successful basketball players that ASU has ever seen. They will rightfully be honored for their accomplishments on Thursday as their jerseys are lifted to the rafters.