Oct. 26, 2010
Bronx, N.Y. -
Fordham University head men's basketball coach Tom Pecora named Derrick Phelps the team's video coordinator it was announced today.
"We're excited about adding a native New Yorker with such an impressive basketball pedigree as Derrick Phelps," said Pecora. "Hiring Derrick was a no brainer. He is willing to come in here and make great sacrifices to get into the coaching profession. I believe Derrick will be an outstanding coach in the years to come."
Phelps, a Queens native, joins the Fordham staff after playing professionally overseas for the past 12 years, most recently with Gaz Metan Medias in the Romanian League in 2009-10.
A graduate of Christ the King High School in Middle Village, Queens, Phelps led the 1989 team to the New York State Championship and was named to the 1990 McDonald's All-American Team as a senior. In the All-American game, the point guard played with future North Carolina teammates Eric Montross, Brian Reese and Clifford Rozier. Phelps was also named to the 1990 Kodak Metropolitan High School All-Star team.
Following his high school career, Phelps played for Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith at North Carolina from 1990-94 where he graduated with two school records: most steals in one game (9) and most steals in a career (247). He earned Second Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honors as a senior in 1994 and Honorable Mention All-ACC accolades as junior in 1993. He was a member of the 1993 squad that won the NCAA National Championship, defeating Michigan in the title game, 77-71.
Following graduation from UNC, Phelps played in three games for the Sacramento Kings and was selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 1995 expansion draft. He also spent time in the preseason with the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers.
His first stint overseas was from 1998-2000 when he played for Telekom Baskets Bonn and he returned to the United State 2000-02 to play in the Continental Basketball Association. He was twice named MVP of the German Bundesliga.
In 2007 Phelps got his coaching career started by serving as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Christ the King.
