Tommy Abdenour has left his position as head coach of Warriors Gaming Squad, he announced on Twitter Wednesday night. Abdenour said he’ll serve as assistant coach of Division II Lindenwood University’s men’s basketball program.
The former video coordinator for the Santa Cruz Warriors, the Golden State Warriors’ G-League affiliate, Abdenour was brought on as Warriors Gaming head coach before week four of season one.
“It was an incredible opportunity to coach the Warriors Gaming Squad,” Abdenour told DIMER. “I am extremely grateful to Kirk Lacob and Hunter Leigh for their willingness to go with an outside the box hire of me. It is a true honor to coach some great NBA 2K players, but each person is honestly a better person, making this experience more special.”
Under his guidance, the team has won two tournament titles—this year’s Turn and Ticket—and reached the semifinals of this year’s playoffs.
“Coach Tommy was a really underrated coach in this league, who undoubtedly should’ve been mentioned more for coach of the year,” Warriors Gaming Squad point guard CB13 told DIMER. “Throughout this season, Tommy found such a great stride through mixing his play-calling and principles he taught on both sides of the ball, but also listening to players’ feedback about plays and lineups and actually valued those opinions.”
Gradient, 2019’s second overall pick in the entry draft, echoed those sentiments. “Tommy found a way to relate with all his players, he came with a different approach to every player to make sure he helped them and got them to their full potential. Tommy was a big influence for me in my first season,” he said.
Abdenour said he has great memories of his tenure with the team. “The friendships I have gained over these two seasons are what I’m going to miss the most,” he said. “I’m going to remember the pure joy of the players in season two for winning both the Turn and the Ticket.”
“He had a unique relationship with each of his players, each in the positive connotation. He will definitely be missed by everyone at WGS,” reflected CB13.
Warriors Gaming 2018 second-round pick BSmoove played under Abdenour throughout the entire head coach’s run. “Instantly I could tell he was different from others,” he said. “It’s been an honor to play for Tommy. I just have to respect the man and his work. The man is dedicated to the game both on the court virtually and in reality and off the court, always trying to make me a better person.”
“Extremely bittersweet,” Abdenour said in a series of tweets last night. “It’s difficult to leave your hometown team that has so many amazing people. The people are what make it special. But I know these friendships will continue to grow.”
It is a true honor and pleasure to coach [CB13], [BSmoove], [Gradient], [Jin], [Type] and [Quita] and work with [Warriors Gaming Squad General Manager Rustin Lee] every day,” he continued. “Each person is incredible!”
