Insight Into the Basketball Journey of the Celtics’ Head Coach

Joe Mazzulla, the head coach of the Boston Celtics, has had an interesting journey in the game of basketball.

Mazzulla is among the youngest NBA coaches to ever win a championship but he has been defying the odds since the beginning of his basketball days.

A WEEI article written by Justin Turpin included insight from Mazzulla's high school coach Jamal Gomes.

“Danny really groomed Joe and his other brother Justin from a young age, teaching them how to play the game the right way,” said Gomes. “A lot of his communication skills, his drive, his toughness, physically, and mentally, that came from his family. That came from his father, really grooming him at a very early age and pushing Joe to be the best that he could be. I still have vivid memories of his father sitting in the stands. He would let Joe know when he didn’t play well or play up to the standards he needed to play at, and then he’d also let Joe know when he did pretty good. We all need that in our lives, especially if it’s coming from our family, our parents. We need that constant feedback. And Danny was that feedback for Joe growing up.”

Gomes elaborated on how early he saw potential in Mazzulla.

“At a very, very early age, we could see a lot of special things in Joe. But for me, it was his understanding and knowledge of the game at a young age. It’s not a surprise he’s doing what he’s doing at the level in which he’s doing it,” Gomes said. “I remember games where he would be in the game during a timeout or during a free-throw situation. He’d come up to me, communicate with me what was going on on the floor, and be able to make adjustments on the fly. You don’t see too many high school freshmen and sophomores doing that.”

The Celtics' head coach has become a fan favorite and is likely no where close to done adding to his basketball resume.