From NYU Athletics
New York University men's basketball Head Coach Joe Nesci has announced his retirement, effective immediately. On the job since the middle of the 1988-89 season, Nesci has coached more games (782) and recorded more victories (512) than anyone else in program history.
"It has been a privilege and honor to have worked at this great institution for so many years and been able to connect with so many outstanding people and players," Nesci said. "This experience has been a focal point of my life for so long and I'm grateful for all the happiness and blessings it has brought me."
After moving up from Assistant Coach to Head Coach 17 games into that initial '88-89 season, Nesci led NYU to 21 postseason appearances over his 28-plus seasons. He guided the Violets to the NCAA Division III National Championship Game in 1993-94 and to seven-straight NCAA Tournament berths from 1992-98.
Nesci's teams posted 26 winning seasons, eight with at least 20 wins. The Violets posted a best-ever 25 wins (25-5) during that run to the NCAA Final.
Overall, Nesci's teams participated in nine NCAA Tournaments and 12 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championships, winning the ECAC Metro title in 2006-07. The Violets won two University Athletic Association (UAA) titles (1993 and 1994) under his guidance and compiled an overall .654 winning percentage during his tenure.
"This truly is the end of a special era of NYU men's basketball," said Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics, Christopher Bledsoe. "Joe has been an outstanding leader of young men and has brought a great deal of success to the program. He has handled himself with dignity and class throughout his tenure and has been an outstanding representative of this department and University. He has set very high standards for others to follow. We thank him for everything he has done for our student-athletes and for New York University Basketball and wish him the very best moving forward."
Nesci served as an assistant coach beginning in 1984 and continued in that capacity until taking over as Head Coach in January 1989. The Violets went 6-5 during the rest of that season and proceeded to accumulate at least 12 wins for the next 26 seasons.
Selected Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association Coach of the Year four times, Nesci began his coaching career at Xavier High School in Manhattan before embarking on a long and successful career at NYU.
"It's been a long road, and I'm proud of what my players accomplished both on the court and in their lives," Nesci added. "I was also very fortunate to have my family around for the ride. My wife Jane has been my biggest fan and supporter, and all three of my children (Alyssa, Andrew and Amanda) have had the privilege of graduating from this wonderful institution. I am a very happy and lucky man."
More Thoughts on Joe Nesci's Retirement:
Janice Quinn, NYU Senior Associate Director of Athletics and former Women's Basketball Head Coach:
"I have had the honor of traveling side-by-side with Coach Nesci for many years as we coached our respective teams. It has been an absolute privilege for me to do so. The contribution to the lives of the young men who he has coached is undeniable. I can think of no greater role model for these young men. Coach will always be a valued member of the NYU family and I will certainly miss seeing him on the sidelines."
Frank Sicignano, NYU Senior Associate Director of Athletics:
"It has been my great pleasure to work with Joe Nesci. From his dedication and passion for the game, to the success of his players both on and off the court, he should be a model for all aspiring coaches. We appreciate all he has done for New York University and wish him and his family all the best. Joe, you will be greatly missed!"
Dick Rasmussen, Executive Director, University Athletic Association:
"Joe Nesci has been a leader among the UAA men's basketball coaches since the inception of the Association. Along with his colleagues, Joe has set a standard of competitive achievement and professionalism unrivaled in college sports. More importantly, he has always focused his efforts on ensuring the success of his student-athletes in their academic pursuits and beyond. He will be missed."
Mark Edwards, Head Coach, Washington University in St. Louis:
"Joe Nesci and I go back a long way, to the early days of the University Athletic Association. He has been a major contributor to the legacy of the UAA and instrumental in its becoming one of the top basketball conferences in the country. We have had some great games together over the past 30 years, but more importantly, we have developed a friendship and respect that transcends basketball. He has helped make me a better coach and a better person. I congratulate him on all he has accomplished and the tremendous program he has built at NYU. I wish him the best and look forward to our continued friendship."