The man who turned a buzzer-beater into a professional basketball career
In short: In 1986, a college walk-on hit a 26-foot jumper at the buzzer to secure Iowa State's first NCAA tournament victory in 42 years. That moment launched the career of Jeff Hornacek, an NBA sharpshooter and coach who mastered the art of the third option.
Jeff Hornacek's ascent began with a legendary performance at the Metrodome in Minneapolis on March 14, 1986. Playing for coach Johnny Orr, the Iowa State guard hit a game-tying shot and then a 26-foot buzzer-beater to defeat Miami University 81–79. Two days later, he helped the Cyclones upset second-seeded Michigan to reach the Sweet Sixteen. This collegiate success paved the way for his selection as the 46th overall pick in the 1986 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns.
During his 14-year playing career, Hornacek became a specialist in precision. An NBA record was established by him when he hit eight straight three-pointers during a single match against the Seattle SuperSonics on November 23, 1994; he later matched a mark of 11 straight successes between December 1994 and January 1995. His free-throw accuracy was equally remarkable; he once made 67 consecutive shots and maintains a career percentage of 87.7%, which ranks 16th in NBA history. He even developed a ritual of stroking his face three times before shots to honor his three children.
Transitioning to the sidelines, Hornacek applied the same discipline to coaching. While managing the Phoenix Suns, he achieved a 48–35 tally in 2013–14, securing the NBA Coach of the Month title in December 2013 and making history as the first coach to earn both Player and Coach of the Month honours with one franchise. Though his tenures with the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns saw varying levels of success, he remains a significant figure in NBA history, currently serving as a coaching consultant for the Utah Jazz.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Jeff Hornacek
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