57 Days to B1G Basketball: Northwestern Adds A.J. Guyton to Staff

Northwestern basketball made an addition to their staff earlier this week with A.J. Guyton joining the program as the Wildcats Director of Player Development.

If that name sounds familiar it’s probably because Guyton was a standout player for Indiana from 1996 to 2000. The former Hoosier was a consensus first-team All-American and the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2000. He would go on to have a lengthy professional career until 2010.

Following Guyton’s playing days, the former guard would go into coaching. After spending some time as an assistant for Illinois Central College and coaching the Central Illinois Drive (now the Bloomington Flex), Guyton would eventually go on to become an assistant coach for the Windy City Bulls, Chicago’s affiliate in the NBA G League.

"We're thrilled to add A.J. to the Northwestern basketball family," head coach Chris Collins said in a release from the university. "As a Big Ten Player of the Year, a first-team All-American, an NBA player and someone who has great character and integrity, he's going to be an amazing asset to our program and our student athletes."

"I'm honored to be a part of Northwestern University and Coach Collins’ staff," said Guyton. "To be on such an experienced staff with one of the best coaches in the country as our leader is a dream come true.”

Guyton, who is an Illinois native, was drafted in 2000 by the Chicago Bulls and has close ties to the area. With Northwestern coming off of their first NCAA Tournament appearance, the addition of Guyton could help retain in-state talent and help the Wildcats with both recruiting and player development.