In an exclusive interview, we sat down with NeShaun Coleman, former Ohio State guard, to discuss his journey from a celebrated player to a dedicated coach. Coleman shares his experiences, challenges, and insights into the world of AAU basketball coaching.

Q. Can you describe your journey from being a star player at St. John’s and Ohio State to becoming an AAU coach?

I started coaching AAU basketball right after I graduated college in 2000. The youth that I coach were at the very beginning stages of learning basketball. I went on to start coaching with Dennis Hopson when he started Hopson Elite in Columbus. After that, I coached with All Ohio Red in the Nike EYBL Circuit. I took a few years off and switched over to coach my daughter in the second grade.

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during this transition?

The biggest challenge was transitioning my passion for playing to putting the same amount into coaching. The second challenge was figuring out that sometimes I held these young people to the standard of a high major Division 1 basketball player, and that was not fair to them. I had to learn how to develop talent and bring the best out of each individual.

Q: How has your perspective on the game changed now that you are coaching rather than playing?

I don’t believe that my perspective has changed at all. I have a saying that I learned when I was young living in Racine, Wisconsin before I moved to Toledo: “Hard Work Beats Talent If Talent Doesn’t Work Hard.”

Q: How has coaching in the AAU system reignited or enhanced your passion for basketball?

I want every young person I coach that has the goal of playing college basketball to achieve that goal. That orange ball has done a lot for me, taken me places, and introduced me to people that others would dream of meeting. Former President Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela, just to name a few. So, if this is what my players want, it’s my job to do everything in my power to help them get there.

Q:  What aspects of coaching do you find most rewarding

Teaching. To watch a player retain what I teach them, apply and perfect the skill. Nothing is better than seeing progress and improvement.

Q: Do you believe that being a lifelong student of the game is essential for becoming a great coach? Why or why not?

I believe it’s part of it. I also believe that playing can be a big part of becoming a great coach along with a number of other things. I feel like your players have to buy into what you’re teaching and be disciplined enough to execute it. It’s your job as a coach to prepare them for that. No excluding all the other hats you wear: teacher, father, mother, counselor, Uber driver, etc.

Q: How do you stay updated with the latest coaching strategies and basketball trends?

I’m way more lucky than most coaches. I have a bunch of former and current coaches that I keep in close contact with who are and have coached on every level. I have current and former players that I keep in close contact with. The internet is a beautiful thing. Basketball is universal. It’s played all over the world. People post everything from plays to drills. Everyone borrows from everyone.

Q: What do you see as the primary benefits of the AAU system for young athletes?

Exposure!!!! If I am a college coach, I can see a number of potential recruits in one weekend from 4th-11th grade and sometimes 12th grade, instead of going to a high school game and seeing maybe 2-3 players. This is why the majority of the open periods for colleges to recruit is during the spring and summer.

Q: How does the AAU system help in the development of players both on and off the court?

It teaches them how to compete at a high level consistently, or you can be embarrassed. It teaches how to deal with adversity. Basketball is unlike other sports because you can’t hide behind a mask like football. Everyone sees your emotions and body language. You have to control those emotions the best you can.

Q: Can you share a memorable moment from your time as an AAU coach that stands out to you?

There is no way I can just pick one. I’ve coached so many players at so many levels. My favorite thing about coaching AAU to date is coaching my 13-year-old daughter and seeing her face when I run into people I know who emphasize that they felt I was a really good player but more importantly how much love they show me about being a good dude.

Q: How do you handle the pressure of coaching young athletes who look up to you and have high expectations?

I think it’s the opposite. The players never saw me play, but their parents have. They have to get accustomed to how high my expectations are for them. I respect the game too much not to put my all into coaching.

Q: What is your coaching philosophy, and how do you implement it with your team?

Defense, effort, and being coachable. Sometimes the ball just won’t go in the basket, but you can always find a way to contribute to your team being victorious. That starts and ends with defense, effort, and being coachable.

Q: How do you balance teaching fundamental skills with allowing players the freedom to express their creativity on the court?

Teaching fundamentals and doing skill development isn’t the hard part. Unlocking the creative part of the brain is difficult. The youth these days are sometimes overtrained. They don’t play enough pick-up ball anymore. In my day, we would go from Smith Park to the Pond to play.

Q: In your opinion, what qualities make a successful basketball player in today’s game?

Being coachable, working hard, and trusting the process. Every player develops at a different pace. The key is not to peak. For the player to keep improving and becoming more consistent.

Q: How do you foster a positive team culture and ensure that all players feel valued and supported?

By having a good group of parents and players. I personally will pass on a great player if I don’t have a good vibe from the parents. I try to locate the parent to see how they are acting in the stands. If they are negative, if they are trying to override the coach, if the player is listening to their parent instead of the coach. I feel like I can help a player improve. I can’t change an adult and how they behave.

Q: Can you talk about a player you’ve coached who made significant improvements and what that process was like?

I can’t talk about a specific player. There have truly been too many, and I’m still coaching.

Q: What advice would you give to young athletes aspiring to play at the collegiate level or beyond?

IT’S A SACRIFICE. If you’re not ready to sacrifice a whole lot, if you’re not ready to work harder than you ever have, if you are not mentally tough, if you cannot handle adverse situations on a regular basis, then rethink it. The expectations are high. The pressure is no joke. If you like or love the game, it is super difficult. If you are truly in love with the game, then the sky is the limit.

Q: How do you manage the different personalities and skill levels within your team?

I have been so blessed because I have had some phenomenal parents. Parents can make or break a team. When parents and players are realistic, when they are all on the same page, when the players really like/love each other, and when they trust the process and the coach… It’s BEAUTIFUL!! There’s not enough space to explain what it’s like when things go the other way!

Q: What are your future goals and aspirations as a coach?

I only have a few more years left. I feel like I have given back in so many ways to the game that has given me so much. My ultimate goal is at the end to have every player on my team receive a scholarship to play basketball so I can travel to watch them play in college. Hopefully, their schedules don’t conflict with my daughter’s!

NeShaun Coleman’s dedication and passion for coaching shine through as he continues to inspire and guide young athletes. His journey from player to coach is a testament to his love for the game and his commitment to helping others achieve their dreams.