There are many passionate individuals describe in sports as “lifers,” people who dedicate their life to one sport or endeavor, such as coaching. One of basketball’s lifers is Gordon Chiesa (@gchiesaohmy) . Chiesa’s career began as the athletic director and head basketball coach at his alma mater of St. Thomas Aquinas in Sparkill, N.Y. where, he guided the Spartans to three 20-win seasons and several postseason tournaments. Following his tenure at St. Thomas Aquinas, Chiesa served as an assistant coach at Dartmouth and then accepted the head coaching position at Manhattan College, where he coached from 1981–85 and was named the Metro Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 1983. Chiesa joined Rick Pitino’s staff at Providence as an assistant coach from 1985–87, before becoming head coach for the 1987-88 season and then moved on to the NBA, most notably as an assistant coach with the Utah Jazz, for 16 seasons from 1989-90 to 2004-05. He has also been an assistant coach with New Jersey, Seattle and Memphis, and was the Grizzlies’ director of pro scouting. Most recently, the New Jersey native has been with the Orlando Magic in their front office, helping turn that franchise back around.
We caught up with our colorful friend to talk about the hoops business as the NBA season kicks into full gear.
You have been around some of the greatest coaches in the game of basketball, is there a common trait most have?
It sounds pretty simple but it revolves around teaching and understanding their role. Most have great technical knowledge, decision making and connectivity with young people. If they can make that connection with a different generation they will usually excel in coaching.
What do you tell young people today who want to get involved in coaching?
It is pretty simple, but it is a trait that has been lost over the years. Learn to listen and listen to learn. Learning more about a profession gives you confidence.
Your first head coaching job was at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY. What did you learn there that you have taken through the college and professional ranks?
That was a long time ago, but looking back, again it seems pretty simple. How little I knew of understanding, how to teach the game without over explaining. Keep things simple. At a young age we want to be heard and we want to make a big difference, but we have to go one step at a time.
How did your Italian background influence your coaching career?
Italians have everlasting “passion” for life. Living in metro New York/New Jersey gives you diversity in your daily life. That passion in life translates very well to coaching and working with young people.
Who had the most influence over your career, personally or professionally?
I have had the great fortune of working with some amazing teachers and coaches. They include the now retired Hall of Fame coach with the Utah Jazz Jerry Sloan, Rick Pitino, now at the University of Louisville but we worked together at Providence College and Dean Smith, the late Hall of Fame coach from the University of North Carolina.
Who are some of the business leaders you admire today and why?
Two great Italians; Lee Iacocca and Pat Croce—both were people oriented. Lee ‘s work in the automotive business was legendary, but is a hero to many for his fitness regimen and training business in Philadelphia that eventually out him in a position to run the Philadelphia 76ers.
Today you have a unique position in the NBA, working to grow the organization of the Orlando Magic. What does that entail?
I do consulting with management on potential trades, free agents and the playing trends of NBA basketball. It is very rewarding and I don’t have to be on the bench at all.
If there is one lesson that works in coaching that you can help people apply to everyday life, what would that be?
Expect temporary failure—Learn, adjust and keep growing both, professionally and personally. We earn more from our failures than we do from our victories usually, but winning is important too.
