Nick Irvin

Western Illinois Men's Basketball Assistant Coach Nick Irvin has accepted a position as the Special Assistant to the Head Coach on Bobby Hurley's staff in August of 2022. A renowned Chicago coaching legend, Irvin has spent the past two seasons with the Leathernecks and will bring his Midwest connections to Tempe.   "We share a similar upbringing in the game and that allowed us to click instantly," Hurley observed. "I have gotten to know Nick over the past couple of years and he comes from a prestigious basketball family in Chicago. He is great at connecting with players, really knows the game, and will be a great addition to what we are doing."   In his role as Assistant Coach, Irvin was responsible for recruiting prospective student-athletes and coordinating the team's defensive strategies in addition to player development. Western Illinois saw a huge jump from year one to year two with Irvin on staff, improving their win total by nine games. Irvin also spearheaded the efforts to land the highest-rated recruiting class in program history.   The 2021-22 campaign started with a road win at Nebraska and ended with a 16-16 record. The 16 wins were the most by the Leathernecks since the 2012-13 season, with Irvin and company leading the program to a postseason appearance in The Basketball Classic Tournament.   Under the guidance of Irvin, the Leathernecks brought in a pair of transfers that made an instant impact. Guard Trenton Massner was a Second-Team All Summit selection while also being named to the All-Newcomer team and All-Defensive team. Luka Barisic earned All-Summit League Honorable Mention distinction while also joining Massner on the All-Newcomer team.   Irvin is part of Chicago basketball royalty, with his late father Mac sponsoring one of the most recognizable AAU programs in the nation, the Mac Irvin Fire. He followed in his father's footsteps, making an impact in the Chicago basketball scene. Irvin was the Head Coach of Morgan Park High School for 12 seasons prior to his time with Western Illinois. During his tenure, the Mustangs compiled a 301-70 record, including two separate back-to-back IHSA Class 3A State Title runs in 2013-14 and 2017-18.    Thanks to his efforts at Morgan Park, Irvin received numerous Coach of the Year awards. He was recognized as the Chicago Public School Coach of the Year four times and was the 2013 NFHS Illinois Coach of the Year. After the state title run in 2017, USA Today tabbed him as the Coach of the Year. Not only did his teams succeed on the court, but 100% of the graduating members of the Boys Varsity team were accepted into college.    While at Morgan Park, Irvin mentored several all-state selections and became a fixture in the Chicago hoops scene. Three of his players at Morgan Park would garner All-American status, including Chicago Bulls 2021 NBA Draft pick Ayo Dosunmu. Irvin has coached over 20 players that went on to star at the Division I and professional level. This list includes Tim Hardaway Jr., Jalen Brunson, Jabari Parker, and Jahlil Okafor.    He also served as the Assistant Executive Director of the Louise & Mac Irvin Foundation for 15 years, helping provide an outlet for youth in the Chicago area through the sport of basketball.   Irvin starred at Carver High School, finishing his career with over 3,000 points. Thanks to his accomplishments, Irvin's jersey has been retired and he is a member of the Carver Athletics Hall of Fame. He would then go on to play two seasons at Fresno State from 1999-2001. His oldest brother Byron was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers and played in the NBA from 1989-1991.   Irvin received a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Shaw University. He will be joined in Tempe by his wife, Lindsay, and their three daughters Cynthia, Laniya, and Carolina Chicago Irvin.