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Small Town, Big Dreams: NBA Coach's Rise
19 Feb
Summary
- NBA coach Jordan Ott hails from tiny McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania.
- Ott's journey from small-town roots to NBA success is inspiring.
- Community pride swells for Jordan Ott's remarkable coaching achievement.
McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, a borough with a population of 1,151, is the unlikely hometown of Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott. This small community, nestled between mountains, is deeply proud of Ott, who is noted as the only NBA head coach from a place so small.
Ott, a 2003 graduate of McConnellsburg High School, has a remarkable career path. He moved from student manager at Penn State to graduate assistant at Michigan State, eventually becoming an NBA assistant coach.
His former high school colleagues remember his foresight and dedication. Ott's 2003 yearbook quote about future plans to work in a professional sports front office is noted, as he successfully predicted his trajectory.
Ott's parents, John and Pam Ott, still reside in McConnellsburg and actively support local sports. His family's legacy includes 'Ott Brothers Furniture & Appliance,' a business that served the community for 84 years.
Despite his current success, Ott remains grounded. He once surprised students by attending an assembly in person instead of a video call and stayed to sign autographs, demonstrating his commitment to his roots.
In December 2025, McConnellsburg residents traveled to Washington D.C. to see the Suns play the Wizards. This deep connection highlights the town's unwavering support for their hometown hero.
