Tom Nissalke facts for kids
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 7, 1932 Madison, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Died | August 22, 2019 (aged 87) Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| College | Florida State (1953–1954, 1956–1957) |
| Coaching career | 1957–1995 |
| Career history | |
| As coach: | |
| 1957–1962 | Wayland Academy |
| 1962–1963 | Wisconsin (assistant) |
| 1963–1968 | Tulane (assistant) |
| 1968–1971 | Milwaukee Bucks (assistant) |
| 1971–1972 | Dallas Chaparrals |
| 1972–1973 | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 1973–1974 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1974–1976 | Utah Stars |
| 1976 | Puerto Rico |
| 1976–1979 | Houston Rockets |
| 1979–1982 | Utah Jazz |
| 1982–1984 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 1986–1987 | Jacksonville Jets |
| 1990–1991 | Charlotte Hornets (assistant) |
| 1991–1992 | Winnipeg Thunder |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
|
Thomas Edward Nissalke (born July 7, 1932 – died August 22, 2019) was a famous American basketball coach. He coached many teams in both the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the American Basketball Association (ABA). He was known for his smart coaching style and won "Coach of the Year" awards in both leagues.
Contents
Tom Nissalke's Coaching Journey
Tom Nissalke started his long coaching career at a high school level. He then moved up to college teams before becoming a professional coach. He coached many well-known teams in both the NBA and ABA.
Starting in High School
Nissalke began his coaching journey at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. He was hired by his old coach, Ray Patterson. Tom coached the varsity boys' basketball team from 1957 to 1962. During his time there, his team had a record of 49 wins and 41 losses. In the 1960-61 season, his team even became conference champions!
After Wayland Academy, he moved on to coach at colleges. He worked as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin and Tulane.
Early Professional Coaching
Tom Nissalke became a professional coach in 1968, starting as an assistant for the Milwaukee Bucks. He then became a head coach for the Dallas Chaparrals in the ABA. In his first year, 1971-72, he led the Chaparrals to a great season and was named the ABA Coach of the Year!
After that, he coached the Seattle SuperSonics in the NBA for a season. He then returned to the ABA to coach the San Antonio Spurs. He brought a careful and planned way of playing to the team. During his time there, a famous player named George Gervin joined the team.
Nissalke later coached the Utah Stars in the ABA. This team sadly stopped playing in the middle of the 1975-76 season.
Later Professional Coaching
In 1976, Tom Nissalke became the head coach of the Houston Rockets. He had another amazing season in 1976-77, winning the NBA Coach of the Year award! This made him one of the few coaches to win this award in both the NBA and ABA.
After the Rockets, he coached the Utah Jazz and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He retired from coaching in 1985. Tom Nissalke had a combined coaching record of 371 wins and 508 losses in his professional career.
Coaching for Puerto Rico
Tom Nissalke also had the honor of coaching the national basketball team for Puerto Rico. He led their team at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. His team finished in 9th place. They even came very close to beating the strong United States team, losing by just one point (94-93)!
Life Outside of Coaching
Besides coaching, Tom Nissalke was also involved in other activities. He developed and owned several health clubs in Texas. He also co-owned a successful bar and restaurant in Salt Lake City, Utah, for over twenty years.
After his coaching career, he helped the YMCA of Utah. He served as the Chairman of the Board and later as the temporary CEO. During his time, the YMCA had some of its most successful fundraising efforts.
Family Life
Tom Nissalke was married to Nancy for 46 years. Nancy was also from Madison, Wisconsin. She passed away in January 2006. They had two children together and two granddaughters.
Tom Nissalke passed away at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah, on August 22, 2019.
See also
In Spanish: Tom Nissalke para niños
