Alvin Gentry played college basketball at Appalachian State University under Press Maravich and Bobby Cremins. In 1978, he spent one year as a graduate assistant at the University of Colorado. He also was an assistant coach at Baylor University under Gene Iba, in 1980. After one year, Gentry joined the University of Colorado staff. Gentry served as an assistant at the University of Kansas under Larry Brown, where they won the 1988 NCAA National Championship. 

After coaching with several NBA teams, Gentry was named the Phoenix Suns' head coach for the 2009-2010 season. He led the Suns to the 2009-2010 Western Conference Finals. He has coached many great basketball players including Steve Nash, Grant Hill.