Elon University Athletics

Noel Gillespie was named an assistant men's basketball coach on August 10, 2021. The 2021-22 season marks his first with the program. 

Gillespie joins the Phoenix as an assistant coach after serving as the first-ever head coach of the College Park Skyhawks in the NBA G League. His coaching career spans 20 years and includes stops with the Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets, Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns.

Prior to the joining the Skyhawks, he was the inaugural head coach of the Greensboro Swarm, the G league affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets, for two seasons.

Gillespie also spent time an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets for three seasons. Before his time in Denver, he worked for the Phoenix Suns for 10 seasons. He joined the Suns in 2003-04, spending his first season as assistant video coordinator and the next four seasons as video coordinator. He was named an advanced scout for the organization in 2008-09 and spent the following season as an assistant coach/advanced scout.

Prior to the start of the 2010-11 campaign, he was promoted to a full-time assistant coach. In 2007, he was named an assistant coach for both the Western Conference All-Star Team and the Sophomore Team at the Rookie Challenge during NBA All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas.

A native of Milwaukee, Wis., Gillespie began his NBA career in 2001-02, serving as a video assistant for the Indiana Pacers. He then spent the 2002-03 season as a graduate assistant for men's and women's basketball at Florida State University. Gillespie is a graduate of University Wisconsin-Whitewater, earning a degree in electronic media communications with a minor in coaching. He and his wife, Sherry, have two kids - Jack and Rowen.

Quoting Head Coach Mike Schrage:
"As we continue to grow our program, I wanted to hire someone who could add a different kind of experience and a fresh perspective to all we do," Schrage began. "Noel certainly does that especially with his time in the NBA and as a head coach in the G League. He comes highly recommended from some of the best coaches at the game's highest level. We first met through USA Basketball back in 2006 and I have followed his career ever since. I am excited about the impact he can have on our players and program. Please welcome Noel, his wife - Sherry, and his children - Jack and Rowen - to our family."