Courtesy of NB Hoops Report

The game has changed, the personalities have changed.

But one thing is for certain.

The late Don Nelson's status as a legendary basketball coach and mentor will not change.

Nelson died over the weekend, leaving behind a trail of success, memories and accolades for those who worked with him, coached with or against him or played under his guidance and tutelage.

Many coaches have racked up wins and titles, but Nelson's legacy may be in his demeanour and attitude that meant coaching also meant leadership, dignity and respect.

Born in Saint John in 1928, he moved to Montreal for high school and would end up receiving a degree in physical education from Springfield College in Massachusetts in 1952. Upon graduation, he made his way back to Quebec before returning home four years later.

Nelson landed a job as coach and instructor at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton and began his storied basketball coaching career in 1956. He would guide UNB until his retirement in 1993, coaching the men's team for 32 years.

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