The Family & The NBA: A conversation with Charlotte Hornets Assistant Coach and Directorof Player Development Jay Hernandez

So much has been said about the challenges facing young NBA players who often become instant stars and celebrities. However, not as much is known about how the NBA is dealing with the challenges faced by the families in its players and coaches. 

In this episode of Married to Busy, I interview Jay Hernandez from the Charlotte Hornets. Jay is in his second season as assistant coach/director of player development with the Hornets. Hernandez started his tenure in the summer of 2018 as Head Coach for the Hornets in the Las Vegas Summer League. From there he was responsible for 4 players including All NBA Selection, Kemba Walker. He managed defensive and offensive scouts as well as working on in game execution of ATO’s. He was also selected to be a Head Coach for the 2019 NBA Combine. Prior to Charlotte, Hernandez spent four seasons (2014-18) as an assistant coach with the Orlando Magic. He served as a bench assistant when Borrego was the Interim Head Coach for the last 30 games of the 2014-15 season. 

Joining the Magic in 2014-15 as an assistant coach/player development, Hernandez worked for Jacque Vaughn, James Borrego, Scott Skiles and Frank Vogel.  Hernandez moved up to assistant coach under Frank Vogel in his 3rd season and became a bench assistant in his 4th season.  He was responsible for game scouting, on-court skill development and running pre-draft workouts. Hernandez has also been a Head Coach for BWB All Star in New Orleans and was also selected for Jump Start Barbados.  Prior to joining the Magic, he specialized in player development and ran Pro Hoops Inc., which trained players and teams looking to improve their on-court performance that he established in 2004.  From 2011-14, Hernandez oversaw pre-draft training that prepared 14 NBA Draft selections, including seven lottery picks.

Hernandez played college basketball, one season at the University of New Hampshire (1996-97) and three seasons at Hofstra University (1998-2001) under Jay Wright. As team captain for Hofstra, Hernandez led the team to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2000 and 2001. After his collegiate years, Hernandez went on to play professionally for three seasons in Puerto Rico.

Hernandez has a dual MBA in both marketing and management from Hofstra. He and his wife, Allison, have three children, McKayla, Michael and Morgan.

 Some of the highlights of the show include a discussion of player spouses who often deal with loneliness, feelings of neglect, and constant moving due to the nature of NBA careers. We discussed divorce, depression, and empowerment, and how teams are lending families a helping hand. 

If you have any questions for Dr. Golan about his life coaching services, you can reach him at marriedtobusy.com