Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady Is Going Back to College, and His Son Is Coming With Him

Tracy McGrady just took a job that hits different. The seven-time NBA All-Star is joining Wagner's men's basketball program as a strategic advisor, and his son Laymen is suiting up as a student-athlete. This is personal for McGrady in a way that goes way beyond the sideline.

The Move That Brings It Full Circle

McGrady, 46, is stepping into a volunteer role alongside head coach Dwan McMillan. He'll oversee basketball operations, recruiting, and name, image and likeness efforts for the Seahawks. Per NCAA rules, the Hall of Famer waived his salary to keep everything clean. His son Laymen spent last season as a redshirt at Oral Roberts before making the move to Wagner.

Here's what makes this special: McGrady went straight from high school to the NBA in 1997 as the ninth overall pick by the Toronto Raptors. He never had the college experience. Now he's choosing to build it for the next generation, which tells you something about where his head is at.

A Career That Speaks for Itself

We're talking about a guy who averaged 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists over a 15-year career. McGrady played for the Raptors, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and Atlanta Hawks. Seven All-Star selections. The resume is there.

"Stepping into this role is really personal for me since I did not go to college," McGrady said. "Being around this community, where gritty coaches like P.J. Carlesimo and Dan Hurley got their start, excites me just as much as basketball. It is a priority for me that goes well beyond wins and losses in the Northeast Conference. It is about making sure potential is realized both for the short and the long term for these dedicated athletes and the staff."

What This Means for Wagner

This isn't just some former star cashing a check and showing up occasionally. McGrady is diving into the day-to-day work of building a program. He's handling recruiting, development, and the NIL game, which is where college basketball is at right now. Wagner is getting a Hall of Famer who actually cares about the mission beyond the box score.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.