Darris Nichols just finished his second season as the Radford head basketball coach in the 2022-23 season after making his Highlander debut in 2021-22. He ended the season with a 21-15 record, postseason appearance in the CBI and first ever multiple wins in school history knocking off Tarleton and San Jose State.
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.
I'm immersed in Jon Gordon’s latest book, Difficult Conversations Don’t Have to Be Difficult. This insightful read is necessary for anyone in a leadership role—whether you're a manager, coach, teacher, or team leader. In my experience as a basketball coach, I've seen firsthand how critical it is to equip our players with the skills to navigate challenging conversations. The ability to handle these discussions with confidence and empathy is not only beneficial on the court but also in every aspect of life.
The transfer portal has made it more difficult for high school players looking to get into college basketball. College basketball recruiting has more year-to-year evaluations than in the past. I remember the days of going to AAU events and trying to get an early start on the younger up-and-coming players
"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
