Coach John Whitley::
High School: Forest Hills High School, Marshville NC
College: UNC - Wilmington
Family: single
Coaching Experience/Schools:
Cape Fear Academy, Wilmington NC
Kerr-Vance Academy, Henderson NC
Wilmington Wave Rockers (XBA)
Brevard Blue Ducks (USBL)
Coaching Record: 102 - 59
Other Basketball Related Experience:
Lettered in varsity basketball for Forest Hills High School
Year at GDS: 2nd
Coaching Info:
I have coached from the middle school level to the professional level. At the age of 21, I was named a head varsity high school coach.
2006 - 2007 Review:
Lost in state quarter finals to eventual state champion. Finished runner-up in conference regular season. Record was 22 - 13.
Goals for 2007 - 2008 Year/Challenges:
It will be tough, as many teams across the state have gotten better…there are 8 teams that will compete for a state championship.
Why I became a coach: Because of the passion I have for the game of basketball!
Why I enjoy coaching: I love teaching the game! Practices are my favorite part of the season.
Top Coaching Experience: Seeing former players of mine play in the NBA.
Why I came to GDS: I love the community and administration here.
Players you have coached that have gone on to play in college: In 6 years of coaching, 11 players.
College coach you most admire: Bob McKillop, Davidson College
NBA coach you most admire: Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix Suns
College player you most admire: Tyler Hansbrough, UNC
NBA player you most admire: Kevin Garnett
I love the work ethic of this team. If we get contribution from our bench, we have a chance to be very good.
Assistant Casey Field ::
High School: Providence Day School - Class of 1996
College: The University of the South - Sewanee
Family: Engaged to Lindsey Mann
Coaching Experience/Schools:
This will be my 10th season coaching.
Saint Andrews, Sewanee SC
Charlotte Catholic, Charlotte NC
Providence Day, Charlotte NC
Woodlawn School
Other Basketball Related Experience:
I have worked at many different camps, including Duke, Davidson, Muggsy Bogues, & Sean May
Year at GDS: 1st
Coaching Info:
Goals for 2007 - 2008 Year/Challenges: I would like to develop our bench.
Why I became a coach:
I had great coaches who taught me the values of hard work, discipline, loyalty, and teamwork. They are great values which I wanted to hopefully pass on.
Why I enjoy coaching:
I like working with great guys and there is nothing more fun than being part of a team.
Top Coaching Experience: I coached one year with my Dad and three with my brother.
Why I came to GDS: I wished to be part of a community that values a great education.
Players you have coached that have gone on to play in college:
Steven Immoderate (Queens), Jeremy Goode ( Mt. St. Mary's), Brandon Conrad (SC), Tom Novick (Duke)
College coach you most admire: Bob McKillop, Davidson College
NBA coach you most admire: Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix Suns
College player you most admire: Tyler Hansbrough, UNC
NBA player you most admire: Kevin Garnett
On players:
I love the work ethic of this team. If we get contribution from our bench, we have a chance to be very good.
