Derek Fisher knows a thing or two about basketball.
Can he teach what he’s learned in almost 20 years as a player and coach in the NBA to a bunch of high school players?
Fisher will get his chance as the new head coach at Crespi Carmelite High School, a private Catholic high school in Los Angeles.
KABC TV in Los Angeles reported Fisher’s hire after a statement from the school.
Fisher, 48, compiled a 40-96 record as coach of the New York Knicks before being fired in 2016 after two seasons. He’s better known, however, for his 18-year playing career that included five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 6-1 guard averaged 8.3 points per game in his career.
Now, he gets to share his knowledge with high school players.
“Coaching and teaching is a true passion,” Fisher said in a statement released by the school (via ABC7.com). “And I look forward to continuing this focus on the next generation of young student-athletes. Go Crespi!!”
“We are honored and excited to welcome Coach Fisher to the Crespi Family,” school athletic director Brian Bilek said in a statement. “Coach Fisher brings to Crespi his strong work ethic, leadership, and discipline that are rooted in his Christian faith.”
Fisher also coached the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks for four seasons before being fired in 2022. He has also served as an NBA TV analyst.
The expectations are high for Fisher now, as Crespi Carmelite won consecutive state titles in 2015-2016.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.