​I am immensely grateful, profoundly honored, and truly humbled to have been chosen by the NBCA Selection Committee to receive the 2026 Tex Winter Assistant Coach Lifetime Impact Award. This recognition stands as a testament not only to my journey in basketball but to the countless people who have stood beside me, encouraged me, and challenged me to grow along the way. It is a milestone that I do not take lightly, and I approach it with deep appreciation for the experiences that shaped me as a coach, leader, and teammate.
No award of this magnitude is earned in isolation. It is the product of a collective effort, a shared pursuit, and the unwavering support of a remarkable circle of individuals who believed in me when opportunities arose and when difficulties tested my resolve. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my wife, Patrizia, and to our entire family. Their love, patience, and steadfast encouragement have been the quiet engine behind every step of my professional odyssey. They have stood by me through long days, tough seasons, and the inevitable uncertainties that come with a career in professional sports. Their confidence in me has sustained me, and their sacrifices have enabled me to pursue my passion with dedication and purpose. For that, I am eternally grateful.
I must also extend my deepest thanks to Pat Riley, a mentor who recognized potential, opened doors, and provided opportunities that defined the next chapters of my coaching career. Pat offered me a chance to learn and grow as an assistant coach, and that decision set in motion a fantastic NBA journey filled with invaluable lessons, incredible teammates, and unforgettable moments. The impact of his guidance and leadership continues to reverberate through my coaching philosophy and daily approach to the game. I am grateful for the trust he placed in me and the willingness to invest in my development as a professional.
In addition, I would like to acknowledge the Arison Family and the HEAT organization for their enduring impact on my life—both professionally and personally. The culture, standards, and commitment to excellence that define the organization offered an extraordinary environment in which to learn, compete, and develop as a basketball coach. The experiences I gained within this organization—on the sidelines, in the locker room, and in the community—shaped my values, sharpened my skills, and broadened my perspective on what it means to lead and to serve with integrity. The opportunity to contribute to a basketball operation that prioritizes growth, collaboration, and player development has been a privilege I will always cherish.
Looking back on the path that led me here, I recognize that every step, from the earliest coaching days to the present, was essential to building the kind of career that can be honored with a Lifetime Impact Award. The lessons learned from the men and women I’ve worked with, the strategies I’ve helped implement, and the moments of collective triumph have all contributed to a philosophy of coaching that centers on mentorship, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. I have tried to approach the game with humility, curiosity, and a commitment to doing what is best for the team, the players, and the organization. This award is as much about the people who have shaped me as it is about the accomplishments that have marked my journey.
To the players I’ve had the privilege to coach—thank you for trusting in the process, for bringing your energy, your drive, and your unique voices to the court each day. Your growth, progress, and accomplishments have been the true measures of success in my coaching career, and witnessing your development has provided a constant source of motivation. To fellow coaches, staff members, and colleagues who have shared in the daily grind of pursuing excellence, I am grateful for the camaraderie, the problem-solving, and the countless conversations that have sharpened my understanding of the game and the art of leadership. The collaborative effort required to build winning teams and sustainable programs is a testament to the power of teamwork, communication, and mutual respect.
As I accept this Tex Winter Assistant Coach Lifetime Impact Award, I do so with a renewed sense of responsibility. The honor reinforces the obligation I feel to continue giving my best, to mentor others with care, and to contribute positively to the culture of basketball at every level. It also reinforces my commitment to ongoing learning—seeking new insights from players, colleagues, and the evolving landscape of the sport, and applying those insights to help teams reach their fullest potential. I will carry the memories of this recognition with gratitude, and I will strive to honor it through continued dedication, ethical leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the growth of the game and its people.
To NBCA and the broader basketball community, thank you for recognizing the impact that coaches can have beyond the X’s and O’s. This award highlights the profound ways in which coaching influences lives, communities, and aspirations. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that legacy and to be part of a tradition that values mentorship, character, and the transformative power of sport. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues across the industry to inspire, guide, and empower the next generation of coaches and players, so they, too, can experience the same chance to grow, learn, and impact the world through basketball.