Nick Jones began his career in collegiate basketball as Student Manager with Kansas State, then Graduate Assistant with University of Hawaii, and on to being Video Coordinator at Wichita State University. Nick is now the Director of Player Development for Men's Basketball at Wichita State. Read more below!
How did you first get into coaching? What has been the driver that has kept you in coaching?
I started as a student manager at Kansas State in Fall of 2009. I love the environment.
My goal is to help transform student athletes from boys to men, and set them up for future success.
Who has been your biggest influence in your coaching career? Why?
Gregg Marshall; he is a hall of fame coach. He’s attention to detail is second to none. He not only had high standards for his players, but also his staff. One of my favorite quotes from Coach Marshall is..
“High standards + high accountability = high achievements”.
What is your favorite team meal?
My favorite team meals are having everyone over to one of the coaches’ house. We eat then have a cornhole tournament. At times those games would be heated as you can imagine. Being able to interact with the guys off the floor and get to know them on a personal level is priceless.
What has been your greatest lesson learned in coaching so far?
Never underestimate the power of relationships. Coaches to players, coaches to coaches, players to players, players to managers, players to janitors, etc.
What has been your most memorable win?
Feb 18th, 2018 at Cincinnati. We were ranked #19 and Cincinnati was #5. Being able to go into hostile territory and break their 40 game home winning streak, was one of the memorable moments of my career.
Also our win vs Arizona in the 2016 NCAA tournament was one of my favorites. Fred VanVleet & Ron Baker put on a show.
Tell us a recent book/podcast/movie that has left you inspired as a coach.
Undistracted by Bob Goff.
Fun Fact: Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know about you.
I completed my first marathon last October, and I plan on competing in an Iron Man race in the near future.
As a member, what has been the most rewarding aspect/ favorite memory of Rising Coaches for you?
The community aspect has been the most rewarding. Being able to meet and connect with coaches from all around the world is very beneficial.
