Lessons from Long Island Nets Coach Will Weaver’s Journey to the NBA G League

Photo via the Brooklyn Nets

The Long Island Nets of the NBA G League have started the season on fire, and no one could be more pleased than Will Weaver, the team’s newly appointed head coach.

After spending time with the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, Weaver was given an opportunity to lead a young organization in its third season of existence. Owning the role of head coach is no small feat; it’s an honor few can claim and even fewer can keep. But Weaver’s non-traditional path that began in Austin, Texas as a middle school basketball coach and teacher has allowed him to succeed despite the odds.

Interested in a career in the NBA G League? Weaver offered us three key lessons from his journey.  

Don’t Let Your Title Stop You

After graduating from the University of Texas in just three years, Weaver began his coaching career at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, a private school in Austin. During that time, Weaver volunteered to work camps for the Texas Longhorns men’s basketball program and built relationships with the staff.

“I became obsessed with basketball and learning the game,” stated Weaver, who focused on being the best he possibly could be, even if it meant coaching young fifth- and sixth-grade players.

However, Weaver’s consistency would eventually lead to a graduate assistant position with Texas. Four years and a few promotions later, he was then named an assistant coach at Sam Houston State. Weaver’s drive continued to grow following his stint in collegiate basketball, as he would then transition to Philadelphia in pursuit of working in the NBA.

“I knew I wanted to be around the best. I visited about 75 or 100 practices of the Philadelphia 76ers and began to do advance scouting and build relationships.”

Weaver went on to write reports for Sam Hinkie, who, at the time, was the storied franchise’s general manager. He didn’t allow his current title determine his work ethic or level of execution; he let his preparation reflect the role he aspired to be in.

Become a Master Observer

Becoming a head coach doesn’t happen overnight, nor does learning all the nuances of basketball. “The size and scope of the game can feel massive,” claimed Weaver. “People coaching professionals are the best who do it.”

We tend to admire those who grind their way to the top, but often neglect the learning curve that takes place in order to get there. After landing a role with the 76ers, Weaver asked himself the question, ‘Who does something unique and outside the status quo?’

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This caused him to approach Brett Brown, now head coach of the 76ers, and inquired about the Australian Men’s National Basketball Team, which had been known to take an innovative approach to the game. Weaver’s curiosity would open the door for him to join the club as a coach — and at the time, the only foreigner.

“There is a real collective appreciation for good basketball that exists across all levels,” stated Weaver, who is still part of the team today and hopes to make a run for a gold medal in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Start Now

Following his time with the 76ers, Weaver joined the Brooklyn Nets as a special assistant to head coach Kenny Atkinson in 2016, and, in July of 2018, was named the head coach of the Long Island Nets. Weaver’s development continues to grow, as does the competitive nature of professional basketball.

“The quality of people in the sport is growing. It’s hard to understand how good they are,” stated Weaver.

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Caris LeVert, one of Weaver’s former players with the Brooklyn Nets, shared his perspective on coach’s mentality, stating, “I remember his scouting reports were always very, very in-depth and very detailed, and if you ask a question, he has the answer right away… I did a workout with him one time, all left-handed, and I was pretty exhausted afterward, probably more mentally than physically.”

Looking to begin your career in basketball, specifically? Weaver had some wise words.

“Don’t wait. People underestimate the different avenues to break in. Start a Twitter account and share interesting ideas on it. Publishing content and putting things out there that scales allows for people to see your work,” he said.

Adding value and building relationships have been a consistent theme throughout Weaver’s career, but he cautions young professionals to “make it reciprocal.” In other words, be sure to give before you ask.

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With the expansion of new teams, the NBA G League will continue to foster more opportunity and increasing talent.

“This is a very interesting brand opportunity for NBA teams. We’re under the wing of the Brooklyn Nets, and the same thing can happen in other markets,” stated Weaver. “The leadership in the G League is massively sophisticated and innovative; it’s arguably the most innovative league in the world.”

From volunteer to now head coach, Weaver demonstrates the value of persistence, patience, and perspective along his journey in sports.

Who knows, the next volunteer opportunity could lead to your career in the NBA.