Next generation of coaches

Almost all high school basketball coaches once played the game themselves. Most were stars at one time for one of the local schools before moving on to college and then returning to the prep scene with a coaching and teaching certificate in hand.
Lone Peak’s Quincy Lewis was a star at Timpview. Jeff Gardner was a standout at Mountain View a few years before becoming the Bruins’ head man. Spanish Fork’s Mark Bailey once led rival Payson on the hardwood. Even Provo’s Craig Drury was a great player at Provo before he became a great coach. Honestly, I can’t think of a local coach who didn’t excel as a player before becoming a coach.
That’s why I often look at today’s high school athletes, as they compete, and wonder which ones will be next to follow up their playing days by joining the coaching ranks. I’m not aware of any who have those aspirations, but I’m sure some do. However, from what I see on the court there are some that I think have enough knowledge of the game and the leadership qualities that I think would make them a great coach.
One player who I think really has “future coach” written all over him is Spanish Fork’s Dallin Naulu. The kid’s composure, confidence and on-court intelligence is impressive. Most importantly, I love the level of respect he shows for his opponents, the officials and the game. He’s already a coach on the floor and represents the sport and his team honorably. If he doesn’t mind struggling to make ends meet for the rest of his life, I suggest that he pursue the career of a high school coach.
Others who fit this mold are Pleasant Grove’s Craig Tucker and Brady Thurgood. Lone Peak star Tyler Haws would make a great coach someday, but he might be playing the game for another decade or so.
Recent players McKay Massey of Payson, Alex Call of Orem and Drew Robinson of Lehi are others who exemplified leadership qualities when they played. Sandy Marvin, the former star at Payson and now at UVSC, and former Orem three-sport star Delyse Downey, also have these qualities.
I’m sure we all know of players who have coaching qualities. So feel free to post some of the names. Tell us, who are some of the current and recent players who you think would make a good coach someday? Also, what qualities should a high school coach possess?