LaDell Andersen

LaDell Andersen (born October 25, 1929) is a former professional and collegiate basketball coach.

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.

During his tenure as the Aggies head coach, Utah State made four appearances in the NCAA Basketball Tournament including a trip to the NCAA Final 8 in 1970 losing to eventual champion UCLA. Andersen also led them to two appearances in the National Invitation Tournament. He compiled a record of 176–96 (.647) at the school from 1961–1971. Former LSU 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 LSU's coach.

Andersen was also the head coach of the American Basketball Association’s Utah Stars for two seasons (1971–72 and 1972–73). 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.

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