Question: Whatever happened to former University of Hawaii head basketball coach Bob Nash?
Answer: He’s enjoying life.
That’s his position and he’s sticking to it.
What have you been up to lately?
“I’m enjoying life,” Nash said.
How was your experience coaching in Japan?
“I’m enjoying life.”
Where are you enjoying life?
“I’m enjoying life,” he said. “I’d like to leave it at that.”
One of the most enduring figures in UH basketball history, Nash helped take the program to unprecedented heights as a member of the legendary Fabulous Five team that made it to the NIT and NCAA tournaments in the early 1970s. After a seven-year professional career, Nash spent 26 years as an assistant and associate coach before taking over as head coach in 2007.
A 6-foot-8 prep All-America out of Hartford Public High School in Connecticut, Nash came to UH via San Jacinto Junior College in 1970. He quickly established himself as an elite rebounder — he earned school records of 30 rebounds in a single game and 361 rebounds in a single season — and the most gifted player on the most successful UH team in history. During his two years as a Rainbow, Nash averaged 16.8 points and 13.6 rebounds and the team won 47 games against just eight losses.
Nash was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1972 and later played for the San Diego Conquistadors and Kansas City Kings and spent two years in a Swedish league before returning to Hawaii to complete his bachelor’s degree in education and test the coaching waters.
Nash cut an imposing figure on the sidelines as an assistant coach under Larry Little, Frank Arnold and Riley Wallace. He later served as associate head coach under Wallace.
When Wallace retired in 2007, Nash was the popular favorite to take over the helm.
Nash never made it to the end of his four-year contract. After compiling a 34-56 record over three seasons, Nash was fired.
At the time, UH Athletic Director Jim Donovan emphasized that Nash had succeeded in every aspect of his job — from encouraging academics to raising funds— with the exception of winning games.
Nash, as always, rebounded quickly. In September 2010, he signed on as head coach of the Saitama Broncos of Japan’s BJ League, where he was reunited with his son Bobby, the former UH standout who had spent the previous two seasons with the Shiga Lakestars.
But Nash’s attempt to pump new life into the moribund franchise abruptly ended when the Japan earthquake of March 11, 2011, forced the team to suspend operations.
Nash has been keeping a low profile since returning from Japan.
Be assured, however, he is enjoying life.
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This update was written by Michael Tsai. Suggest a topic for “Whatever Happened To…” by writing Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-210, Honolulu 96813; call 529-4747; or email cityeditors@staradvertiser.com.
