Nelson, the NBA’s winningest coach, will graduate from the University of Iowa and receive his diploma from UI President Sally Mason 50 years after leaving the school. It was a lifelong goal for Nelson to graduate, and Saturday he achieves it.
“It’s one of the highlights of my life,” said Nelson from his home in Hawaii. “It’s right up there with winning championships with the Boston Celtics and making the Hall of Fame. I think making the Hall of Fame might be No. 1.”
Nelson, 71, left Iowa in 1962 just 10 credits shy of his degree in physical education. He needed eight hours of a foreign language and took six hours of correspondence work. He then completed four more hours while he was in Spain. But there was one problem.
“I called them, ‘I’ve got my language now what do I need?’ Nelson said. “And they said, ‘Well, you need practice teaching.’ ‘I’m working full-time, I’m not going to have time to go to school and practice teach,’ So I forgot about it.”
Once Nelson retired in 2010, he started to think about his diploma. In fact, an unlikely source gave him the idea for finishing his education.
“I got my inspiration really from Shaquille O’Neal,” Nelson said. “He went back and got his degree and now he’s going for his doctorate.
“The university, when I retired, said, ‘Well, you’ve been teaching for your whole life in basketball, so we’ll forgive the practice teaching and you’ve got enough credits. So come out.’”
Nelson will do exactly that. He had plans to fly into Chicago, pack up family and rent a bus. He’ll then head to the Quad Cities — Nelson is a Rock Island, Ill., native — and pick up some more family. In all, 45 family members are scheduled to attend including his sisters, seven children and all 15 grandchildren.
Nelson will stay in Iowa City for three days and meet former teammates, including current Polk County Judge Joel Novak. Iowa will honor Nelson with a framed jersey.
“There’s no question he’s one of our storied alums, great former players,” Iowa Athletics Director Gary Barta said. “What’s been fun to see is how excited Don is to come back with his family. He’s really made it a family deal about coming back and getting his degree and walking across the stage. President (Sally) Mason is anxious to meet him and having him back.”
Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery will be out of town this weekend and said he regrets missing Nelson. Barta plans for Iowa’s current players to meet Nelson Saturday.
Nelson will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Sept. 7. He has an NBA all-time best 1,335 wins in 31 years of coaching.
At Iowa, Nelson ranks 11th all time in scoring with 1,522 points and averaged 21.2 points a game from 1960-62. Nelson led Iowa in scoring and rebounds and was named team MVP all three seasons he was eligible to play. He was named first-team all-Big Ten and second-team All-American in 1961 and 1962. He still holds Iowa’s record for most free throws in a game (21).
Nelson recalls his Iowa days fondly, especially his relationship with former coach Sharm Scheuerman, who died in 2010.
“What I remember most about it is playing for Sharm and our relationship over 50 years and how close we were and how much I loved that man,” Nelson said. “A role model certainly, but I could never duplicate that man’s life because he was so special. I certainly tried. I’m certainly a better person just by knowing him and talking to him. But we spent a lot of time together over the last 50 years.”
In the NBA, Nelson ranks among the most accomplished players. He played 14 seasons and won five championships with the Boston Celtics, who retired his No. 19 jersey in 1978. In 1976, he began his coaching career with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he stayed for 11 years. He’s credited for creating the “point-forward” role which the small forward runs the offense. Nelson also coached the Golden State Warriors for 11 years, the Dallas Mavericks for eight seasons and spent one year with the New York Knicks for one season.
His NBA teams reached the playoffs 18 times and he won 75 playoff games. He’s one of only two NBA coaches to win 250 games with three different teams.
Nelson’s accolades are unmatched in the annals of basketball. But this weekend it’s about family and receiving the piece of paper.
“I want to walk down the aisle. It’s something I’ve never experienced,” he said. “It’s going to be a wonderful time with my family.”
Don Nelson's Unconventional Journey: From the NBA to Earning an Iowa Diploma
Don Nelson, a legendary figure in the world of professional basketball, is widely recognized for his impressive coaching career in the NBA. However, what many may not know is that he embarked on an unconventional journey to complete his high school education and earn a diploma from Iowa. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating story of Don Nelson's educational pursuit, his contributions to basketball, and the frequently asked questions (FAQs) surrounding his remarkable journey.
The Early Life of Don Nelson
Don Nelson was born on May 15, 1940, in Muskegon, Michigan. Growing up, he exhibited a passion for basketball and quickly developed his skills on the court. Nelson's talent and work ethic led him to a successful college basketball career at the University of Iowa.
However, despite his early basketball successes, Don Nelson faced a significant challenge that would shape his educational journey. Due to his focus on basketball and a job opportunity in Chicago, he left college before completing his degree. This decision would ultimately lead him to a unique and unexpected educational path.
The NBA Career of Don Nelson
Don Nelson's NBA career is nothing short of remarkable. He began his professional journey as a player, known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions. Nelson played for the Chicago Zephyrs, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and other teams during his playing career, which spanned from 1962 to 1976.
However, it was in the coaching arena that Don Nelson truly left an indelible mark on the NBA. He transitioned into coaching, and his innovative strategies and keen basketball intellect quickly became apparent. Nelson went on to coach several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, and Dallas Mavericks, during his illustrious coaching career.
The Unconventional Path to an Iowa Diploma
While Don Nelson enjoyed immense success in the NBA, he never lost sight of the importance of education. In the early 2000s, long after his retirement from playing and coaching, Nelson decided to complete his high school education and earn a diploma from the state of Iowa.
Nelson's unique journey involved a series of correspondence courses and assessments, which he completed while living in Hawaii. His determination to earn his high school diploma at an age when most individuals are well past their formal education years is a testament to his commitment to personal growth and self-improvement.
Don Nelson's Legacy in the NBA
Don Nelson's impact on the NBA is immeasurable. As a coach, he introduced innovative offensive strategies, such as small-ball lineups and the point forward concept, which revolutionized the way the game was played. He was known for his adaptability and creativity, always willing to experiment to gain a competitive advantage.
Nelson's coaching achievements include being the all-time winningest coach in NBA history at the time of his retirement, with 1,335 wins. He also led the Golden State Warriors to a historic playoff upset over the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in 2007, a moment etched in NBA lore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Don Nelson's Diploma Journey
Why did Don Nelson leave college without completing his degree?
Don Nelson left college due to a combination of pursuing a job opportunity and focusing on his basketball career. At the time, he prioritized these opportunities over finishing his education.
Why did Don Nelson choose to complete his high school education later in life?
Don Nelson's decision to complete his high school education later in life was a personal one, driven by his desire for self-improvement and his recognition of the value of education.
What were the challenges Don Nelson faced while completing his high school diploma through correspondence courses?
Don Nelson faced challenges such as balancing coursework with other commitments and adapting to a different learning environment. However, his determination allowed him to overcome these obstacles.
How did Don Nelson's educational journey impact his post-NBA life?
Completing his high school diploma later in life represented a significant personal accomplishment for Don Nelson. It demonstrated his commitment to continued growth and served as an inspiration to others pursuing education at any age.
What is Don Nelson doing post-retirement from the NBA?
Since retiring from the NBA, Don Nelson has continued to enjoy his life in Hawaii. He remains involved in basketball in various capacities, including mentoring young players and contributing to the sport's development.
: Don Nelson's Unconventional Path
Don Nelson's journey from the NBA courts to earning his high school diploma from Iowa exemplifies the power of determination, self-improvement, and lifelong learning. While he left an enduring legacy in the world of professional basketball, his personal commitment to education later in life serves as a testament to the importance of pursuing one's educational goals, regardless of age or circumstances.
Don Nelson's story continues to inspire and reminds us that it's never too late to pursue our dreams and aspirations, whether on the basketball court or in the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.
No comments:
Post a Comment