Koa Peat HS coach says 'he knew he was staying home' as pick neared
· Yahoo Sports
Former Gilbert Perry High basketball coach Sam Duane Jr. said he spent Tuesday evening with Koa Peat, his family and those close to them, watching the NBA draft’s first round on June 23.
Peat, a 6-foot-7 power forward who led Perry to four consecutive state basketball championships, wound up with the Suns after they traded into the first round. After high school, he played one season for Arizona, helping lead the Wildcats to this year's Final Four.
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Dallas took him as the 30th and final pick of the first round, but traded with the Knicks. The Suns then obtained Peat in a trade with New York that sent the Knicks their second-round pick in this year's draft and two future second-round picks.
“As that pick was approaching, it all happened at once,” Duane said. “As Dallas was picking, he knew he was staying at home with the Suns.
“As they announced the pick and his emotions of happiness and him on the phone with the Suns, everyone just exploded with cheers.”
Even though he didn’t shoot well at the NBA combine, there is a belief that Peat, a three-time Arizona high school basketball player of the year and Gilbert native, will excel with the Suns and embrace the community.
“I think what people will see from Koa is, one, a high-character, team-first guy,” Duane said. “A skilled powerful player with a high basketball IQ.
“He will bring his passion to win, and he will be a very good player for Phoenix. I’m excited to be able to watch him play for his home town.”
Duane said that Peat will be invested in the community, like he was at Perry for four years.
“He has always had a passion to give back and it’s very special that he can do that with his home team,” Duane said.
Peat becomes the second local product on the Suns. Phoenix big Oso Ighodaro grew up in Chandler and played for Desert Vista High School in Ahwatukee, then college ball at Marquette.
Not only did Peat lead Perry to four straight state titles, but he was a big part of four straight gold medals in the summer, playing for Team USA developmental teams during his high school career.
“The Suns got a bona fide winner,” Duane said. “He has a passion to win and will do whatever his team needs to win.
“I’m so happy for him. This has been a dream for him and to be home. It could not have happened to a better person and family.”
Perry athletic director Jennifer Burks praised Peat's character along with his basketball talent.
"We could not be more thrilled and proud to see Koa continue his basketball journey right here at home with the Phoenix Suns. Koa is an incredible talent on the court, but more importantly, he is an incredible person of high character who has always led by example,'' she said.
"Having watched him pour his heart into our program at Perry High School, it is exciting to know that our local community—and the entire state of Arizona—will get to see him compete at the highest level right in our own backyars,'' she added. "He has always represented Perry with class, and I have no doubt he will continue to represent all of Arizona to the highest level. We can't wait to watch him shine in the purple and orange!''
Two other standout players from Perry are currently in the NBA: Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder (2019 graduate) and Cody Williams (2023 graduate) of the Utah Jazz.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Former Perry coach Sam Duane Jr. talks about Koa Peat