With decades of NBA experience, Dan is a student of the game. His father Mauro, a legendary coach, taught at all levels for over 50 years. Dan was a standout player for his dad in college where he led his State University of New York at Brockport team to an NCAA Final Four berth as a sophomore. He also left the school as a member of their Hall of Fame, and the leading scorer in school history.
Dan has had tremendous success as a coach over a 40-year career. His teams have won consistently at every level. Professionally, Dan served as head coach of the Quad City Thunder for nine seasons, and owns a career record of 313-191, winning Continental Basketball Association championships in 1994 and 1998. All nine of his teams advanced to the CBA playoffs.
Dan was an assistant coach to Maurice Cheeks with the Portland Trailblazers from 2001 to 2005. Considered one of the top experts in the NBA game when it comes to the triangle offense made popular by Phil Jackson, Dan was brought onboard as an assistant in the Laker organization for four years and has two NBA Championship rings to show for his efforts there.
Dan was named the Chinese NBA coach of the year in 2012 as head coach of Yao Ming’s Shanghai Sharks. After serving a four-year contract Dan was replaced and was named as special advisor in the Phoenix Sun’s organization.