Nick Van Exel
Nickey Maxwell "Nick" Van Exel (born November 27, 1971) is a former American professional basketball player who is currently the head coach for the Texas Legends in the NBA Development League. Van Exel played for six teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1993 through 2006, and is a former NBA All-Star.
Early life
Van Exel was raised primarily by his mother, Joyce. He attended St. Joseph High School, a private high school in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He played from 1987 to 1989 and scored 1,282 points, including 772 as a senior. He led the WISAA (private schools) state tournament in scoring as a junior and senior when his team lost in the finals both years. He was named to the Associated Press all-state team as a senior.
College career
Van Exel wanted to play college basketball, but his grades weren't high enough to qualify for a top-flight program, so he went to junior college at Trinity Valley Community College for two years. He applied himself to his studies and qualified to enroll at the University of Cincinnati and play for coach Bob Huggins.
