There are things larger than basketball and few larger than losing a parent. Kiki Vandeweghe will be back on the bench tonight, understanding the difference. Vandeweghe flew from California to New Jersey Tuesday night, learning in the morning that his mother, Colleen Kay Hutchins, died not long after he left his parents' home in Newport Beach.
Although he will coach against the Kings Wednesday night, the Nets' GM/interim coach, will return to California in the next few days for his mother's funeral. His mother, who was Miss America in 1952, had been ill for six months.
Meanwhile, the Nets expressed optimism that they have a chance against the beaten-up Kings. "It’s a winnable game for us, and looking at it, we feel we have an advantage," said Brook Lopez. "Coming in we feel we have an opportunity to win this, and we have to come out like that." No word yet on Terrence Williams availability.
- Vandeweghe's mother Colleen Kay Hutchins dies at 83 - Julian Garcia - New York Daily News
- Nets coach Kiki Vandeweghe returns to work with heavy heart - Dave D'Alessandro - Star-Ledger
- A real loss - Al Iannazzone - In the 'Zzone
- Kiki back to coach Nets after mother passes away - Fred Kerber - New York Post Nets Blog
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Former Miss America, BYU Homecoming Queen Colleen Kay Hutchins dies - Deseret News
- Preview: Kings at Nets - Sactown Royalty
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Kiki Vandeweghe Press Conference (Video) - YES Network