SALT LAKE CITY — Former Runnin’ Ute Phil Cullen, the director of men’s basketball operations at the University of Utah, is leaving for a front office position with the San Antonio Spurs. He’ll serve the NBA franchise as director of basketball strategy.
"I am very happy for Phil and would like to thank him for both his commitment and energy that he brought to our basketball program," Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak said in making the announcement. "He will be working for one of the most respected franchises in the NBA, along with one of the best general managers in the business (R.C. Buford). We wish Phil the very best with his new endeavor."
Cullen spent the past four seasons at Utah, including a three-year stint as director of player development. He joined Krystkowiak’s staff after serving as an assistant coach at Grand Canyon University in Arizona.
“The people of Utah and the program are the reasons I came back here,” said Cullen, who met his wife, Tara, while attending the university.
Acknowledging it’s hard to say goodbye, Cullen noted it was an honor to be involved with construction of the new basketball facility on campus. He also expressed appreciation for the alumni and donors.
The position in San Antonio, Cullen explained, presented itself and he’s excited about it.
“It’s an opportunity you can’t pass up,” Cullen added.
As a player, Cullen was part of Utah squads that went 90-35 from 1998-2002. The 6-foot-9 forward from Chelan, Washington, played in 126 games for the Utes and posted career averages of 6.5 points and 3.1 rebounds. He ranks among the program’s all-time leaders in 3-pointers made with 153.
Cullen was also a skilled baseball player. The right-handed pitcher was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles (34th round) in 1998 and the Seattle Mariners (32nd round) in 2000. Cullen appeared in 46 games for two Seattle minor league affiliates — the Everett Aqua Sox and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers — over the 2001, 2002 and 2004 seasons, compiling a 7-13 record with a 3.86 ERA.
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