Quincy Pondexter, a former forward for the Washington Huskies and a seven-year NBA veteran, has officially announced his move from the University of Washington to become the head coach of the Windy City Bulls, the G-League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls. This transition marks a significant step in Pondexter's career, as it is his first head coaching role at any level.
Pondexter's announcement came on Tuesday, confirming earlier reports that he would be returning to Chicago for this opportunity. The 2010 first-round draft pick expressed his gratitude towards the UW community in a heartfelt message shared on social media. "I am incredibly honored for the opportunity to serve as Head Coach of the Windy City Bulls," he stated. He added, "Leaving the University of Washington is bittersweet. I am deeply thankful to Coach Sprinkle, the players, staff, Husky Nation, and the entire UW community for welcoming my family and I back, and allowing me to be part of such a special program."
During his time at Washington, Pondexter not only played but also contributed to the program as an assistant coach. He returned to the Huskies last year after spending a season at USC under head coach Eric Musselman. His coaching journey at Washington began after he retired from professional basketball in 2019, where he worked alongside former head coach Mike Hopkins for three seasons.
Pondexter's decision to leave comes as the Huskies prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 season. With his departure, head coach Danny Sprinkle has made moves to fill the coaching void by hiring DeAndre Haynes, a former assistant at Marquette, and Charles Klask, who has extensive experience as a 25-year NBA assistant. This will be a new chapter for the Huskies as they adjust their coaching staff.
In his announcement, Pondexter emphasized his excitement for the new role, stating, "Becoming a head coach has always been a dream of mine, and I am excited to take this next step as I look forward to developing our players both on and off the court, building a strong culture, and competing daily." He expressed enthusiasm about starting this new journey in Chicago, highlighting the support he has received throughout his career.
The Windy City Bulls, who compete in the NBA G-League, will benefit from Pondexter's experience both as a player and a coach. His background with the Chicago Bulls, having played there earlier in his career, adds a layer of familiarity and passion for the role. As he embarks on this new venture, Pondexter's commitment to fostering player development and creating a competitive atmosphere will be crucial for the Bulls' success in the upcoming season.
As the Huskies adjust to Pondexter's absence, the focus will now shift to how the new coaching staff will implement their strategies and continue to build on the program's legacy. Pondexter's contributions to Washington basketball will be remembered, and his journey as a head coach will be closely watched as he takes on this new challenge in the G-League.
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