Mike D’Antoni

Mike D'Antoni is an American-Italian professional basketball coach and former player who is currently a coaching advisor for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Michael Andrew D'Antoni was born on May 8, 1951, in Mullens, West Virginia, USA. He stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighed 185 pounds during his playing career.

D'Antoni is a dual citizen of the United States and Italy, with his Italian heritage tracing back to his grandfather, who immigrated from Umbria, Italy.

High School and College Career

Mike D'Antoni attended Mullens High School in Mullens, West Virginia, where he was a standout basketball player.

He then played college basketball at Marshall University from 1970 to 1973.

Playing Career

He was drafted by the Kansas City-Omaha Kings in 1973 and played in the NBA and ABA from 1973 to 1977.

He then moved to Italy, playing for Olimpia Milano from 1977 to 1990, where he became a club legend. D'Antoni was voted the Italian League's all-time greatest point guard in 1990.

Coaching Career

D'Antoni began his coaching career in 1990 with Olimpia Milano. He first entered the NBA as an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets in 1997 before becoming their Head Coach in 1998.

His most successful stint as an NBA head coach came with the Phoenix Suns from 2003 to 2008. D'Antoni's "Seven Seconds or Less" offense revolutionized the game, leading to him winning the NBA Coach of the Year award in 2005.

D'Antoni later coached the New York Knicks (2008-2012), Los Angeles Lakers (2012-2014), and Houston Rockets (2016-2020). With the Rockets, he won his second NBA Coach of the Year award in 2017.

Career Highlights:

• 2005, 2017 - NBA Coach of the Year
• 2007, 2018 - NBA All-Star Game head coach
• 1997, 2002 - Italian League champion (as coach)
• 1987, 1988 - EuroLeague champion (as player)
• 2008 - Named one of the 50 Greatest Contributors in EuroLeague History