Conner Varney is making a move that feels like a homecoming. After three seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, the coaching associate is heading back to the college ranks to reunite with former Butler Bulldogs teammate Ronald Nored, who now leads the program.

Varney's journey to Atlanta was a winding one, but it was rooted in a strong foundation. He first cut his teeth in the NBA alongside current Hawks head coach Quin Snyder during their time with the Utah Jazz, where Varney served as an assistant video coordinator. That experience, learning the ins and outs of the game from one of the league's most respected minds, prepared him for his role in Atlanta.

Now, he's trading the NBA hardwood for the college game, bringing a wealth of professional knowledge back to Butler. It's a full-circle moment for Varney, who played for the Bulldogs from 2008 to 2012, and a significant addition to Nored's staff as they look to build on the program's storied tradition.

For fans of the game, this move signals a deep respect for the coaching tree that continues to grow from Butler's roots. It's also a reminder that the best teams—on the court and in the front office—are built on relationships and shared histories.