Jim Paxson Returns to Dayton as Senior Advisor for Basketball Operations
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The University of Dayton announced Friday that former NBA All-Star and Flyers great Jim Paxson has been appointed senior advisor for basketball operations within the athletic department.
Paxson, a 1979 Dayton graduate, will support the men’s basketball program in areas such as player evaluation, roster construction and personnel strategy.
Decorated College Career
During his time with the Flyers, Paxson earned three team MVP awards and was named a USBWA All-American as a senior. He finished his collegiate career with 1,945 points, the fifth-highest total in program history, and remains the only Dayton men’s player to secure both All-American and Academic All-American honors.
NBA Playing and Front-Office Experience
The Portland Trail Blazers selected Paxson 12th overall in the 1979 NBA Draft. Over an 11-year professional career, he became a two-time All-Star and received All-NBA Second Team recognition in 1984.
After retiring, Paxson shifted to front-office roles, including vice president of basketball operations and general manager for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1998 to 2005. He later served as a consultant, scout and director of pro personnel for the Chicago Bulls between 2006 and 2024.
Quotes From Paxson and Administration
“I’m honored and excited to once again be a part of UD basketball,” Paxson said in a statement. “My intention is to help accelerate the program’s journey to where it is headed.”
He added that recent success in developing NBA-caliber talent at Dayton motivated his return: “Hopefully, my NBA front-office experience can be a resource to our players for what it takes to become a professional athlete.”
Vice President and Director of Athletics Neil Sullivan noted that he and head coach Anthony Grant began consulting Paxson last year on player retention and evaluation. “As the new settlement terms took effect on July 1, it felt like the right time to formalize our relationship,” Sullivan said. “Jim brings a unique blend of expertise and connections, along with a deep love for the Flyers.”
Source: Basketball Insiders
