In this series from Gregg Rosenberg, we'll take a look at how some of the state's prep basketball coaches philosophies around building a program.
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The tenth coach in the 'Building a Program' series: Trivium Prep's Ryan Nelson.
Everyone I am interviewing I have known for 5+ years except you. I really don't know much about Trivium Prep. Please tell me about your school!
'Trivium Prep is a Great Hearts school that started playing high school sports in 2013. The school is very challenging academically. Because of the curriculum, we have never had a transfer student. We started in the CAA. Our first year of Varsity sports the school only went up to 9th grade and we went 18-3. The next year we went 21-3 and lost in the state championship with players in 10th grade or below.
Our first year of AIA we went 8-11. The next year was our first year with seniors and we went 20-5. We have won at least 20 games every year since. Last year we went 28-3 and lost in the State Championship. We had not had any wins in the playoffs until last year. Losing in triple overtime to Rancho Solano Prep the previous year. Our students are smart, hardworking, and unselfish.'
When did you start in the game of basketball?
'I have played basketball almost my whole life. Started at Desert West at 8 years old. I played at Westview High School. I then went to Saint Mary’s College of California and played my freshman year and red-shirted my sophomore year. I transferred to Glendale Community College and led them to the national tourney in Danville, Illinois. I then transferred to Grand Canyon University and played there for 2 years. Leading the nation in assists my senior year. I then coached at GCU for two years after graduating. After that I coached at Mesa Community College for year. I started a sports training program and that’s how I fell into coaching high school. A parent of a kid that I was training told me about Trivium and how they were building a school and looking for coaches. That parent gave my number to the AD and he called and hired me that day.'
Who started you on this path of becoming a coach?
'My coach while I was at GCU Scott Mossman. He let me hang around and learn after I graduated. Mike Groathaus played with me at GCU and was also really encouraging me to continue coaching. He’s the reason I coached at Mesa CC.'
Have you taken some principles or guidelines from some former coaches that you use today?
'I have taken a lot from all of my coaches. Being a point guard I remember all the plays so we use many plays that I ran in college. Our man to man defensive principals come from them.
Coach Sanders – Encouraged competition and made practice war.
Coach Bennett – his positivity and how detailed he is.
Coach Brown – how he uses different defenses to keep the offense guessing.
Coach Mossman – finds ways to use his player’s strengths. Always coming up with new plays'.
Is there a phrase or statement that you consistently repeat over and over again to your players during the season?
'If you play as hard as you can, smart as you can and unselfish; you can always live with the results.'
What is your coaching style?
'I don’t really have a style. My style is whatever the team or players need at that moment. I try to be positive and build them up. I love teaching the details of the game. I expect my teams to execute and defend.'
Is there that one assistant coach on your staff or an outsider that ever reach out to when the going gets tough?
'My assistant Jarrett Randle is my go to. We talk basketball every day. He brings me new ideas. He is always searching for new plays and drills for us to run. He makes me a better coach.'
Is there that one player of players that you are proud of how incredible he developed from freshman to senior year?
'Hugo Santacruz
He played Varsity as a freshman. Started Varsity as a sophomore. Junior year he had to sit out the whole season with an injury. The summer before his senior year he broke his arm in a summer league game. He still came back his senior year and was 1st team all-state. I love that kid. He overcame so much just to play. He never complained and worked his butt off to come back. He led our team in charges and was our leader on our State Runner-up Team. He will be playing at Glendale Community College next year.'
Favorite memory in your career so far?
'Our state playoff run last year.'
There are many new young head coaches starting out their careers. Is there one piece of advice you can share with them on how to build a program?
'1. Understand you will never know everything about basketball and keep learning.
2. Seek out other coaches and ask questions.
3. Go watch other coaches’ practices, go to coaches clinics, follow other coaches on twitter and always keep an open mind.
4. Be flexible.
5. Don’t try to make players fit in your system, make your system fit the players.'
Do you have a feeder MS program that you are trying to push players to the Crimson Knights?
'Our school is K-12. We have 3 middle school basketball teams. I coach the “A” team. Most of the Varsity players this upcoming year have played for me at Trivium since 6th grade. I also started a club program called the Sharks for players from my school. We recently formed a bigger club program called Phoenix Basketball Club that will include my players as well as players from all over.'
Do you have an off season program that you utilize?
'Pre-pandemic we work practically year round. In the fall is weights, practice, individuals and fall league. We start that two weeks after school starts. After season they are off until after spring break. In the spring is weights, individuals, and we encourage club. In the summer we play in tournaments and leagues, lift weights and practice in June. They have July off but we encourage club.'
How many career wins have you earned so far?
'CAA 39 -6 in 2 seasons.
AIA 101-32 in 5 seasons.
Career 140 – 38.'
If we do end up having a HS season, how do the Crimson Knights look for the upcoming season in 2A?
'We lost 2 of our leaders last year but have some hungry young players waiting for their opportunity. I think we have the talent to be a very good team but we have a lot of work to do.'
Rosenberg's take:
Like Rancho Solano Prep and Valley Christian, this small school is turning into the place to be, but in the West side. Coach Nelson has built this program from the ground up the first season and is turning it into a perennial contender in 2A.
He is clearly taking the extra time in improving his program beyond the norm and has taken a little from former colleagues to better himself as a coach.
I believe they will get back to the 2A Chip this season and he may win it this year with a nice group of talented seniors including two forwards not many know about it in 6'7 Jake Schleifer and 6'4 John Jeanisse.
