Jay Wright Is The Most Influential Coach I’ve Had Says Hornets Assistant Coach Jay Hernandez
Earlier this summer Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Jay Hernandez made an appearance on the “Scoop B Radio” Podcast with Brandon “Scoop B Robinson.” Hernandez will serve under head coach, James Borrego this season. Last season he was a part of former Orlando Magic Head Coach Frank Vogel’s staff, who was fired earlier this summer.
Last season Hernandez focused on player development before games and behind the scene as a part of the Magic coaching staff. The Long Island, New York native, played at Hofstra University under current Villanova Wildcat Head Coach Jay Wright. He was also teammates with former San Antonio Spur, NBA Champion Speedy Claxton, who is now an assistant coach at Hofstra University.
During the podcast, Scoop B and Hernandez discussed his journey to the NBA.
“When people ask me: ‘how did you get to where you are?’ I say the same thing over and over again; it sounds a little cheesy or cliché: ‘you have to love what you do.’ Within that, you’re going to have days that are really hard, and only that love will take you past the will of wanting to quit so for me it’s about perseverance, it’s about hard work. That’s why my tagline is always rep your work,” Hernandez told the Scoop B Radio Podcast.
Yesterday, the Charlotte Hornets took on the Dallas Mavericks for their fifth and final preseason game, which saw them beat the Mavs 123-118 on the road. After the game, I had the opportunity to speak with Coach Hernandez about his time playing, for now, two-time national championship coach Jay Wright. Also, get his thoughts on him being a part of the Team USA’s coaching staff.
“I learned a lot about leadership skills and how to control a team being a point guard for him and playing alongside Speedy Claxton. He did a great job getting us to play our roles and creating a culture that had not been there before at Hofstra. You can see what he did at Villanova winning two national championships, so the fact that he is an assistant coach with Team USA Basketball doesn’t surprise me”, Hernandez told me.
“He would continue by stating that “I was extremely happy for him he has been with Team USA for a very long time running the younger teams. For him to be selected with other great professional coaches that shows the level of respect that everyone has for him. Regardless of level, everyone knows that he is one of the best in the game. So, having a guy like him, who knows how to work with players and build relationships he is the perfect guy be in that position. ”
The Hornets will begin their regular season next week at home against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 17.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
