| George Nessman |
|
|
George Nessman, who guided his teams to nine conference titles in 17 years as a head coach at the junior college and high school levels, begins his first season as an assistant coach at California this year.
A 1981 Cal graduate, Nessman started his coaching career in '81 as junior varsity basketball and cross country coach at Salesian High School in Richmond. In 1984, he moved to De La Salle High School in Concord, where he served as varsity basketball coach from 1984-93. During his seven-year tenure with the Spartans, his teams compiled a 155-48 record, captured one section and five conference championships, and made four appearances in the NorCal tournament. Among the players he coached were future NBA players Jon and Brent Barry.
Nessman then turned his attention to the junior college ranks, beginning as head coach at Porterville College from 1993-2001. He added the title of athletic director from 1995-2001 and was an academic advisor for athletics from 2001-02. Nessman accumulated a 183-72 mark at Porterville, which included a state title in 2000.
Named the California Community College Coach of the Year in 2000 when his team finished 33-4, Nessman's squad won four Central Valley Conference crowns and made three final eight appearances in the state tournament. He also led Porterville to a 40-game winning streak from January 2000 to February 2001.
Nessman then spent the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons as head coach at Bakersfield College, where his teams combined for a 26-32 record.
Overall, 47 of the 52 sophomores Nessman coached in junior college transferred to four-year institutions, including more than 20 that went to NCAA Division I schools. One of Nessman's players, 6-5 forward Carl Boyd, played for Braun in 1998-99 and helped the Bears to the '99 National Invitation Tournament title.
Nessman received his bachelor's degree in social welfare from Cal in 1981. He also owns a master's degree in education from San Francisco State (1988) and a master's in physical education and recreation from Saint Mary's (1993). He and his wife, Nancy, have four children - Joshua, Veronica, Peter and John.
According to Coach Braun
"Coach Nessman brings notable experience and maturity to our program. George has already formed positive relationships with our players and coaching staff. It's also great to have a Cal alum as part of our basketball family."
