Former Mizzou Tigers guard Phil Pressey returns to Columbia as a coach

Phil Pressey is back at Mizzou — this time, as a graduate assistant on coach Dennis Gates’ men’s basketball coaching staff.

Missouri announced the star guard’s return Friday afternoon shortly after Pressey announced his retirement from professional basketball.

“How do I feel about retiring and getting into coaching? I’m ecstatic,” Pressey said on Twitter. “I cannot wait. I love the game of basketball, and the game has given me so much. I think it’s my turn to give back.”

The all-time assist leader at Mizzou, Pressey played for three teams in three seasons in the NBA before moving overseas to play in Europe.

“That’s the thing that I’m most excited about is to be able to give back, starting with my alma mater, the University of Missouri,” Pressey said.

Tigers fans will remember Pressey’s 2013 campaign fondly, when the guard earned All-SEC honors and received All-America honorable mention.

The Dallas, Texas product will join Gates and the first-year head coach as one of the final hires of his coaching staff.