Don Nelson dead at 86
- Thread starter longtimer
- Start date
From The Athletic:
Don Nelson was a five-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics as a player. The pioneer of “Nellie Ball,” Nelson was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 2012 after posting 1,335 career regular-season victories in the NBA — a win total that trails only Gregg Popovich (1,390) for the league record.
He caught the eye of Iowa Hawkeyes coach Sharm Scheuerman after helping lead Rock Island to a 47-7 record over his final two high school seasons, and eventually landed in Iowa City with the Hawkeyes basketball program. There, Nelson averaged 21.1 points and 10.9 rebounds over three varsity seasons from 1959-62, and was inducted into the University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame in 1989. His career scoring average remains a program record.
Don Nelson was a five-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics as a player. The pioneer of “Nellie Ball,” Nelson was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 2012 after posting 1,335 career regular-season victories in the NBA — a win total that trails only Gregg Popovich (1,390) for the league record.
He caught the eye of Iowa Hawkeyes coach Sharm Scheuerman after helping lead Rock Island to a 47-7 record over his final two high school seasons, and eventually landed in Iowa City with the Hawkeyes basketball program. There, Nelson averaged 21.1 points and 10.9 rebounds over three varsity seasons from 1959-62, and was inducted into the University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame in 1989. His career scoring average remains a program record.
BuiltLikeWilt
Well-Known Member
Probably the best /most successful Hawkeye basketball player and coach of all time .
Fryowa
Administrator
100%. He’s the GOAT of Iowa basketball with no doubt.
Zstatman
Well-Known Member
My first memories of Don were when he was playing for the Celtics on those great teams. Wasn't quite old enough to catch the Hawkeye portion of his career.
I always liked him, always followed his career, both playing and coaching.
I saw him in the Fieldhouse at games a couple of times, so he did come back sometimes.
I always liked him, always followed his career, both playing and coaching.
I saw him in the Fieldhouse at games a couple of times, so he did come back sometimes.
BuiltLikeWilt
Well-Known Member
I saw a list maybe here or on the tube that listed greatest NBA player from each school and they Had Connie Hawkins for Iowa, It should have been Don Nelson for sure! Connie Never played a minute of varsity ball. And there's another good story. He took a loan for 150$ and got black balled from college...... imagine that in today's world.
Sad deal... I remember when he came back to Iowa to finish his degree. It was like 50 yrs after he'd been a student or he was in his 70s at the time. I think it was shortly after he'd retired from coaching he'd put his mind to it and really wanted to finish it. He had a bunch of family come to his graduation ceremony at CHA for it and made it a huge thing he was really proud of that.
When it comes to interesting people he's certainly at the top of the list of those to me. He certainly walked to the beat of his own drum. It would've been quite the honor to have been able to spend some time with him that's for sure. It's really cool he was a Hawkeye that's for sure.
When it comes to interesting people he's certainly at the top of the list of those to me. He certainly walked to the beat of his own drum. It would've been quite the honor to have been able to spend some time with him that's for sure. It's really cool he was a Hawkeye that's for sure.
SwirlinLingerie
Well-Known Member
Only guessing, but sort of think Nellie was more satisfied and peaceful than most.
Dude retired to Maui, some of the "locals" got him to explore weed, and eventually he started a pot farm. Regularly smoked and played cards with neighbors Willie Nelson and Woody Harrelson and whoever else showed up and had interesting stories to share.
He seemed like a guy who was always comfortable in his own skin and open to others.
NorthKCHawk
Well-Known Member
Not the worst way to enjoy your golden years. He lived a worthy life.
BuiltLikeWilt
Well-Known Member
a Whole new respect for the man !!
