Our Story
How We Started
Vietnam Basketball Association: Da Nang Dragons 2016-2019
2016 Vietnam Basketball Association Champions
Asean Basketball League: Saigon Heat 2016-2018
Vietnam Men’s National Team: 2017-2019
Since its inception, Nothing Is Given Hoops has established a robust presence, coaching and training over 100 players aged 8 to 18 during off-season periods. The organization's commitment to fostering fundamental skills has led to consistent growth, with ongoing expansion in individual and small group training sessions. Notably, Nothing Is Given Hoops caters to players across various levels, from youth to high school, collegiate, and even professional athletes in Southern California.
The expertise of Nothing Is Given Hoops extends beyond local boundaries, with experience coaching National Teams and Professional Clubs globally. Emphasizing a dedication to continuous learning and adapting, the organization remains steadfast in its goal of evolving alongside the game. The core foundations imparted by Nothing Is Given Hoops include ball handling across all positions, shooting footwork and balance refinement, defensive intelligence, and offensive decision-making tailored to individual roles on the court.
Through a combination of extensive experience, ongoing education, and a commitment to fundamental excellence, Nothing Is Given Hoops continues to shape the next generation of basketball talent, poised for further growth and success in the years ahead.
Southeast Asian Games 32’ - 2023
Southeast Asian Games 31’ - 2022
Southeast Asian Games 30’ - First Ever Men’s 5x5 Bronze Medal in Vietnam Basketball History
Southeast Asian Games 29’ - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Horace Nguyen
FOUNDER
Coach Horace Nguyen, is a former professional basketball player and one of the original Vietnamese-Heritage players to play professionally in Vietnam. A native of West Covina, CA, Coach Horace’s basketball journey began with playing for West Covina High School, were he established himself as a varsity captain. After West Covina High School, Coach Horace moved on to play one year at Cypress College before obtaining an athletic scholarship to play at Bristol University, an NCCAA D1 school at the time. At Bristol University, Coach Horace won one Cal-Pac conference title & tournament in his Junior year in the 2014-2015 season. At Bristol University, Coach Horace played one of the strongest and extensive preseason schedules and was able to compete against over 10 NCAA Division 1 schools.
After Bristol University, Coach Horace was selected and drafted by the Da Nang Dragons, his hometown team where his family is from. The Da Nang Dragons of the Vietnam Basketball Association (VBA) debuted Horace for their inaugural professional season in 2016. Coach Horace went on to play 4 seasons for the Da Nang Dragons, serving as a team captain for all 4 years and led them to the 2016 VBA Champion in his rookie season. He is now the all-time leader in games played, assists, steals, and 3 pointers made for Da Nang Dragons in the VBA. Coach Horace also played 2 seasons for the Saigon Heat from 2016-2018 in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL), the top professional league in Southeast Asia. Lastly, Coach Horace is two-time Vietnam Men’s 5x5 National Team player in the 2017 & 2019 Southeast Asian Games. In 2019, Coach Horace was a key member of the historic Vietnam Men’s National Team that won the first ever 5x5 Men’s Basketball Bronze Medal for the country in SeaGames 30 at Manilla, Phillipines.
Currently, Coach Horace Nguyen leads as the Vietnam Women’s National Team Coach and led them in the 31st & 32nd Southeast Asian Games. Coach Horace's coaching philosophy is to selflessly serve, lead and guide his players by instilling the importance of discipline, work ethic, and consistency into their lives as people.
Coaching Resume
Ontario Clippers NBA G-LEAGUE/ Team Attendant
September 2023 - PRESENT, Glendora, CA
Rebound for players and assist coaches in their pre-game warmups
Attend to players and staff in-game as needed or assigned to by Basketball Operations Associate
Breakdown of court post-game and assist in loading away’s team equipment
Citrus College Women’s Basketball/Assistant Coach
September 2023 - PRESENT, Glendora, CA
Director of player development overseeing the progress and growth of individual skill for each player
Head of Scouting for opponents with film breakdown on personnel offensive/defensive tendencies
Recruiter of talent in the Southern California region
National Basketball Association/ NBA Future Basketball Operations Stars Intern Program
August 2023 - PRESENT, Remote
The goal of this program is to develop and create a diverse pipeline of talent for the next generation of basketball operations leaders
Weekly virtual two hour trainings how to lead an organization on basketball operations and management presented by NBA leaders
Opportunities to connect and meet with NBA front office, General Managers, and Coaches during internship
Vietnam Women’s National Team / Assistant Coach
January 2022 - PRESENT, Vietnam
Director of Player & Skill Development Program for Women’s National Team
Leading film sessions with organized film breakdowns for the team and constructed scouting reports on opponents
Appointed as Head Coach in the final 2 games of the 31st Southeast Asian Games, led Vietnam to its first win in history over Malaysia
LA Clippers / Youth Basketball Coach
February 2019 - PRESENT, Los Angeles, CA
Assisting the LA Clippers Youth Basketball operate youth basketball clinics & camps in Southern California
Focusing primarily on the foundation of fundamentals for youth players to grow good habits for the future
Responsible for the organization of clinic/camp structure plan
Nothing Is Given Hoops / Founder
March 2017 - PRESENT, Tustin, CA
Training over 50+ players in individual 1-1 and group setting focusing on developing their individual skill set enhancing their strengths and improving on their weaknesses
Providing mentorship & leadership guidance to prepare players to get to the next level; HS, College, Pros
12U & 16U Boys Club Teams & HS Girls Skills Clinics
Orange High School / Head Varsity Assistant Coach
March 2020 - March 2021, Orange, CA
Led the skill development program for guards & bigs throughout the off-season and in-season
Directed the film sessions for individual players & opponent team scouting
Implemented mindfulness & mental toughness through meditation for the team
Our Values
Hard Work
"Our philosophy revolves around the diligent pursuit of our goals. Each objective stands atop a metaphorical mountain, where we educate our players on the principles of perseverance and the significance of hard work."
Discipline
“With the right mindset comes discipline. Every successful individual, both on and off the court, has adhered to a structured and disciplined plan to achieve their goals. Our aim is to reinforce and empower our players by instilling self-discipline, enabling them to develop and execute their own plans for success.”
Consistency
“People will have their best days, and sometimes they won't. This is where we place a high value on consistency. By working on oneself and consistently collaborating with our players, both on and off the court, we can achieve meaningful results. Greatness and success do not come overnight; it is consistency that is the key.”
Faith
“We are committed to empowering our players to believe in themselves and embrace the principle that consistent effort, relentless discipline, and dedicated hours of hard work will lead to tangible results and success. We stand by the conviction that hard work never fails.”
