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After a game-six victory over the Golden State Warriors to win the 2019 NBA Championship, Nick Nurse went from a relatively unknown first-time NBA coach to a household name. However, many still don’t know where Nurse got his coaching start. Believe it or not, it was at Grand View 28 years ago, where he was the youngest collegiate head coach in the nation. So how did this big-time NBA coach make it from Grand View all the way to the NBA Finals? 

Grand View Editor and Reporter Kelsey Woodruff completed a Q&A with Nurse about his NBA coaching career and time at Grand View. 

What do you remember from your time at GV? 

Not much, haha, just kidding. I loved working there. I loved Lou Yacinich, Blair Reid, Bob Hogue and many more. I also loved working in the athletics department there. It was a challenge for me.

Why do you love coaching? 

I like the competition mostly, and it brings out character. I love everything about it. 

How has your coaching philosophy and style evolved over the years?

Oh my. It has changed so much. I believe in “freedom in the huddle,” which is letting my coaches’ coach, letting the players play and really try to guide them with their input to get to where we all want to go.

How do you mentally get into “game day” mode?

We prepare well, so most of the time I am ready. There are no big prep things. It’s just part of my being and who I am. The ball goes up, and my instincts take over.

How stressful is coaching in the NBA? 

It’s not too bad, not as bad as some other leagues I have been in, that is for sure. I try to use C and C, calm and confident as my guides. Again, if you prepare and get your team prepared, what else is there? Ball goes up, start competing.

What advice would you give to an aspiring coach?

Get head coaching experience whether it is at a high school camp or AAU or a clinic or a try out or whatever. You cannot replace it. Getting up in front of a group and leading is the key to coaching. It takes practice. Find some places to practice. Then study the game, study the psychology of sports, study leadership, study positive attitudes, study winning, study energy. You get the idea.

What did you do to celebrate after winning the NBA finals?

Went back to my room and had a handful of people all from Iowa hang out with me for a few hours, then went to bed!

Editor’s note: This interview has been edited to enhance readability.