Education
Born in Malad City, Idaho, Andersen attended Utah State University, where he became a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
basketball coach basketball player
Born in Malad City, Idaho, Andersen attended Utah State University, where he became a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
He was an All-Skyline Conference and an honorable mention All-American basketball player in 1951. He was also invited and competed in the 1952 United States Men's Olympic Basketball team tryouts at New York City. Andersen was hired in 1956 as an assistant coach for legendary University of Utah coach Jack Gardner.
Andersen left the Utes in 1961 to become head coach of his alma mater.
He complied a record of 176-96 (647) at the school from 1961-1971. Former Louisiana State University coaching great Dale Brown served as an assistant coach during Andersen’s tenure.
Andersen recommended Brown as his successor, but when USU officials rejected the idea, Brown went to Washington State for one season as an assistant before succeeding Press Maravich as Louisiana State University"s coach. Andersen was also the head coach of the American Basketball Association’s Utah Stars for two seasons (1971-1972 and 1972-1973).
Andersen had success with the team and led them to two Western Division regular season titles but both seasons were ended by the Indiana Pacers in the Western Division playoff finals.
Andersen compiled a 115-43 (684) regular season coaching record with the Stars. Despite his success with the Stars, Andersen resigned after his second season with the team He returned to Utah State University and was appointed as the school"s athletic director in 1973.
Andersen held the post for ten years until he was lured back into coaching again in 1983 for Brigham Young University.
Andersen coached the Cougars for six years and compiled a 114-71 (616) record. Brigham Young University made four post season appearances including three in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Basketball Tournament and one in the National Invitation Tournament.
He resigned as Brigham Young University head coach in 1989 and was replaced by Roger Reid. Andersen continued to be involved in basketball acting as a scout and consultant for the National Basketball Association’s Utah Jazz organization, partly because of his connections with former Utah State player and longtime Jazz assistant Philosophy Johnson.
lieutenant is believed that he was the person who scouted John Stockton and encouraged the Jazz to draft him when they did.
Member of the Utah Sports Hall of Fame.