Darris Nichols enters his fourth season as the head coach of the Radford Men’s Basketball program. In year four, Nichols has led Radford to top 100 NET Ranking after a 9-2 start, which is the program’s best since the 1991-92 season. Known for his ability to recruit and build teams to win, Nichols has steadily built Radford into a competitive program in the Big South Conference.
Join Us for the 2025 Darris Nichols Basketball Camps!
Spend your summer improving your basketball skills, building friendships, and having fun at the Donald N. Dedmon Center in Radford, VA. Led by Radford Men’s Basketball coaches and players, our camps focus on fundamentals like dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork in a supportive, inclusive environment.
In the world of basketball, success is often measured in wins and losses, but for Amir Abdur-Rahim, it was about something deeper. His mantra, 'Love Wins,' encapsulated his belief in the transformative power of culture, love, and leadership. This post reflects on Amir’s incredible journey, his lasting legacy, and the lessons he taught us all about the true meaning of winning both on and off the court.
The reunion wasn’t just a nostalgic trip—it was a reminder of the unique bond that made our team successful. It helped me reflect on how special that group is. I even complimented the coaching staff in attendance because the intangibles we had—accountability, competitive advantage, and security—all started in the evaluation process.
The impact of those experiences continues to shape the teams I coach today. The lessons from my college years help me share stories that inspire and guide my players, showing them what it means to be part of a truly connected team. These principles aren’t just limited to basketball; they’re the foundation for great leadership and teamwork in every aspect of life.
Be a Learn-It-All, Not a Know-It-All: My Summer Journey of Growth and Development
This summer, while recruiting is a major focus, I’ve dedicated time to my own development as a coach. By living by the mindset of "being a learn-it-all," I’ve studied new strategies and tactics to help our team at Radford University excel. In this blog, I share the key resources I’ve learned from and why staying curious and open to growth is essential for success in both basketball and life.
Reflecting on 9/11 and 9/12: Leadership, Unity, and Purpose in Teams
The events of 9/11 left a lasting impact on the world, but the unity that emerged on 9/12 offers a powerful lesson in resilience and togetherness. In this post, I reflect on how that spirit of unity can guide leadership and teams today. By fostering communication, creating a shared purpose, and building resilience, we can ensure that teams stay strong and united, not just in times of crisis, but every day
In this blog post, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the Founder and Executive Director of Hoop Love Academy to discuss the inspiration behind the academy, its mission and vision, the various programs and services it offers, what sets it apart from other basketball training programs, future goals, community engagement opportunities, and the personal journey of the Founder. Join us as we delve into the heart and soul of Hoop Love Academy and learn how this incredible organization is making a profound impact on the community and beyond.
"Darris is many things. A former great player, a leader, a great teammate, an old soul, a consistent grinder, an ethical worker, a commanding presence on the court and an awesome human being. It's a big-time hire by Radford! He's more than ready to come home."
– Mike White, Florida Men's Basketball Head Coach
"Congratulations to Darris. I'm extremely proud of him. I've always known he was going to be a head coach, basically when he knew all the sets better than I did. I want to wish him good luck, and I'm hoping he'll come to Morgantown and see us, along with his team."
– Bob Huggins, West Virginia Men's Basketball Head Coach
Darris Nichols is a lot of things. He is a wonderful man. He is an excellent basketball coach and will be a terrific ambassador, not only for Radford University basketball but for Radford University as a whole. I've known Darris for many years. I've had the opportunity to work with him back in 2014. His mother and father are exceptional people. I know he's thrilled to have the opportunity to be a Division I men's basketball head coach and do it in a city that he's very familiar with. I'm happy for him and for Radford University. He's going to do an excellent job, and I look forward to following his progress."
– Mike Young, Virginia Tech Men's Basketball Head Coach
"Darris Nichols is a rising star in the world of coaching college basketball. We have remained in close contact from the time he played for us at WVU. He has always had a thirst to learn the game and was one of the smartest players I ever coached. His recruiting skills are exceptional, and he will bring the right people to Radford. Darris really knows the game and how to develop talent too. Student-athletes will love playing for him as well. This is a great match for both Radford University and Darris, and I look forward to following all his success in the years to come."
– John Beilein, Former Richmond, WVU, Michigan, and Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Head Coach Comment end
