Dave Leitao
Dave Leitao
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Dave Leitao is the full name of this renowned American basketball coach. He is commonly known as Dave.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on September 5, 1960, in Staten Island, New York. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any information about his death date or age at time of death.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Dave Leitao holds American nationality and is a professional basketball coach, college administrator, and former collegiate head men's basketball coach.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Staten Island, New York, Dave Leitao was exposed to the world of sports at an early age. His father, also named David Leitao, was a track and field athlete who competed for the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This exposure likely influenced Dave's passion for sports, particularly basketball.
Leitao attended Monsignor Farrell High School in Staten Island, where he developed his skills as a player. After graduating in 1978, he went on to play basketball at the College of Staten Island (CSI) and later transferred to Wagner College, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.
Major Accomplishments
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Dave Leitao has had an illustrious career, marked by several notable achievements:
Head men's basketball coach at the University of Massachusetts from 2005 to 2010.
Head men's basketball coach at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) from 2010 to 2012.
Assistant coach at Marquette University and later at Duke University.Notable Works or Actions
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During his coaching tenure, Leitao demonstrated a commitment to developing players' skills while emphasizing the importance of teamwork. His teams often showcased impressive performances on the court, earning recognition from coaches and fans alike.
Some notable accomplishments under his leadership include:
Leading the 2006-07 UMass Minutemen men's basketball team to an Atlantic 10 Conference Championship.
Coaching the VCU Rams men's basketball team during their remarkable 2010-11 season, which saw them win the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) regular-season title and reach the NCAA Tournament.Impact and Legacy
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Dave Leitao's impact on college basketball is undeniable. As a coach, he has inspired countless players to improve their skills and push themselves beyond their limits. His dedication to developing well-rounded athletes who excel both on and off the court has earned him respect from peers and admiration from fans.
Leitao's legacy extends beyond his coaching accomplishments. He has contributed significantly to the growth of college basketball programs, fostering a culture of excellence that continues to shape the sport.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Dave Leitao is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
Coaching Philosophy: His emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and player development has inspired coaches and players alike.
Achievements: His impressive coaching record, including conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances, speaks to his ability to lead successful teams.
Mentorship: Leitao's commitment to mentoring young coaches and helping them grow in their careers demonstrates his dedication to the sport.
In summary, Dave Leitao is a respected figure in college basketball, known for his coaching philosophy, achievements, and mentorship. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of players and coaches, cementing his place as one of the most notable figures in the sport.
Quotes by Dave Leitao
The game got away from us very early. We had talked about how the first five to ten minutes of the game would be critical because that is when you have the opportunity to not only keep all the outside factors out of the game, but also to get them back on their heels -? to establish in your mind and their mind that we are here to play. Obviously, we did not do that.
In the beginning stages, (we need) wins like this to legitimize what I yell and scream about at practice every day. I'm proud of the way we toughed it out.
I'm saying the same things I was earlier in the year. I just think now they're understanding it more.
It's a little bit of a touchy subject; if perimeter players have a better chance of making a shot, getting them to pass it up.
There were some key moments in the first four or five minutes when they got to a couple of loose balls or got some offensive rebounds when you could see we were a step slow.
That's what you want a guy to do. He cares a lot about this. It means a lot to him. When he hasn't done something well, he's been able to respond positively.
Is he a long-term answer? I don't know. But somewhere along the line, we're going to need him to do things like that.
This was a very good win for the guys and the growth of our team. We hung tough through a lot of different things.