Mark Few, the head coach of Gonzaga University's men's basketball team, is a familiar face to college basketball fans, but he's making a name for himself in the NBA as well. He is currently working as an assistant coach for the US Olympic Men's Basketball Team, a role which has afforded him the chance to work alongside some of the league's most celebrated figures, including Steve Kerr, Erik Spoelstra, and Ty Lue.
Few, the outlier with no NBA coaching experience, has been welcomed with open arms by his fellow coaches and teammates, who acknowledge his sharp basketball mind and refreshing perspective. "He's a brilliant basketball coach," says Spoelstra, "one of the very best in this business."
Despite his lack of NBA experience, Few has earned the respect of the NBA veterans on the team. He is seen as a valuable asset, bringing a unique college viewpoint and expertise in areas like zone defense, which is rarely employed at the professional level. "He knows the game, sees things from a different perspective," says USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill. "He's not insecure because he's a college guy with all these NBA people."
The team has tapped into Few's college expertise on multiple occasions. When working on zone defense, for instance, the Olympic gold-medal hopefuls deferred to Few's guidance, relying on his extensive experience with the strategy in college basketball. "He probably encounters it more often over the course of a 32-game college season than the other three do during an 82-game NBA schedule," explains Hill.
Beyond the basketball court, Few has also integrated seamlessly into the team dynamic. He's quickly become a favourite among his fellow coaches, known for his humor and his shared passions. He's been known to discuss comedy routines with Lue, even devising a potential comedy show titled "Lue and Few". He's also attempted, to no avail, to entice Spoelstra to join him on the pickleball court. "He's tried to drag me out there a few times," says Spoelstra, "I'm not doing it."
Few's engaging personality and genuine warmth have made him a popular figure among the team, earning him a place in their tight-knit community. He's established a close bond with Grant Hill, with the pair exchanging tales and photos of their mutual passion for wakesurfing.
Few's journey to the US Olympic team began with his long-standing relationship with USA Basketball, a relationship that has blossomed over the years. He's earned a reputation as a dedicated and insightful coach, making him a strong candidate for this coveted position.
Few's inclusion on the coaching staff is a testament to his talent and expertise. He's a testament to the fact that success can be achieved regardless of one's background or experience. The NBA coaches are taking note of Few's unique skillset and the valuable perspective he brings to the table. This experience, in turn, will undoubtedly bolster Few's reputation and further elevate his status as a leading figure in the world of basketball.