Ronald Nored, an alumnus and former standout player for Butler University, has officially taken the reins as the head coach of the Bulldogs' basketball program. This significant announcement was made on Wednesday by the Big East institution, revealing that Nored, previously an assistant coach with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, would return to his collegiate roots. His appointment follows the retirement of long-serving coach Thad Matt. Nored is scheduled to be formally presented to the public at a press conference this Friday at Hinkle Fieldhouse, where he will share his aspirations for the team.
Nored's deep connection to Butler was evident in his statement, where he described the coaching position as a "dream job," reflecting his profound commitment to the university. He highlighted his past dedication as a player, having invested immense effort into the program, and expressed his unique understanding of both the responsibilities and the potential that come with this role. Butler Athletic Director Grant Leiendecker lauded Nored as the ideal leader for the future of Butler Basketball, emphasizing his relentless work ethic, elite basketball intelligence, and a proven ability to develop talent at the highest levels of the sport. Leiendecker also noted Nored's strong competitive spirit, his talent for building relationships, and his vision for elevating the program to new heights, leveraging his NBA experience to gain a distinct competitive advantage in the modern college basketball era.
Nored's extensive coaching background includes various roles within the NBA and collegiate ranks. His journey began in 2013 when Brad Stevens brought him into the Boston Celtics organization, initially with the Maine Celtics in the NBA G-League, and later focusing on player development and scouting for the Celtics' main squad. He then spent two seasons with the Indiana Pacers under Rick Carlisle and three seasons with the Charlotte Hornets. Additionally, Nored served as the head coach for the Brooklyn Nets' G-League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, for two seasons. His collegiate coaching experience includes a stint as an assistant at Northern Kentucky University, and he even coached at Brownsburg (Ind.) High School immediately after graduating from Butler. As a student-athlete, Nored was instrumental in leading the Bulldogs to two NCAA national championship game appearances, three NCAA Tournaments, and a remarkable 109 victories. He remains Butler's all-time leader in games played and postseason appearances, and holds the program record for career steals, while also ranking third in career assists. His academic achievements were recognized with Academic All-America honors and the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award. Butler President James M. Danko welcomed Nored and his family back, praising him as a shining example of a Bulldog whose work ethic and talent have brought him success on the world's biggest basketball stage, and expressed anticipation for his positive impact on the alma mater and its basketball program.
The return of Ronald Nored to Butler University as head coach signifies a promising new chapter for the basketball program. His journey from a dedicated player to a seasoned coach at various levels, including the NBA, equips him with invaluable experience and a profound understanding of the game's evolving landscape. This appointment reflects a forward-thinking approach, aiming to blend Butler's cherished traditions with innovative strategies. Nored's leadership is expected to inspire both current and future student-athletes, fostering a culture of excellence, resilience, and community engagement. His deep roots within the university, combined with his professional insights, set the stage for not just athletic achievements, but also for personal growth and academic success among the players, embodying the spirit of integrity and aspiration that defines Butler University.
