Former Utah State/BYU Basketball Coach LaDell Andersen Dies At Age 90
Dec 30, 2019, 11:37 AM
(Photo courtesy of Utah State Athletics)
(Photo courtesy of Utah State Athletics)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former Utah State and BYU head basketball coach LaDell Andersen died at age 90.
Andersen spent his entire coaching career in the state of Utah after he played for the Aggies from 1948-51. He was an assistant coach at the University of Utah from 1956-61 before becoming the head coach at Utah State from 1961-71.
During his time at Utah State, Andersen led the Aggies to four appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including a trip to the Elite Eight in 1970, losing to eventual National Champion UCLA. He held a 176-96 record at the helm in Logan.
After 10 years with the Aggies, Andersen left to be the head coach of the Utah Stars in the ABA. He led the Stars to two Western Division regular season titles and he had a 115-43 record with the Stars. After two seasons, he resigned in 1973.
Former BYU men’s basketball coach Ladell Andersen passed away on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in St. George, Utah. Born Oct. 25, 1929, in Malad City, Idaho, Andersen was 90 years old when he died.
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Andersen returned to his alma mater in 1973 as the Athletic Director, holding that position until 1983 when he was hired as the head coach of BYU. For six seasons, Andersen held a 114-71 record and led the program to four postseason tournaments, three of which were in the NCAA Tournament. Andersen resigned in 1989.
After coaching, Andersen was a scout and consultant for the Utah Jazz.
