Episode 40: Bruce Weber

Named National Coach of the Year in 2005, Bruce Weber won the prestigious Naismith Award for coaching. He is the 11th winningest coach in the United States holding 152 victories across the past six years; his 72.7 winning percentage is the highest in the history of the Big 10 for the last six seasons. Additional recognitions include the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Henry Iba Award and the Adolph F. Rupp Cup Award.

Bruce's assistant coaching career began at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, in 1978. Job experience followed as an assistant high school coach and fifth grade teacher before serving as assistant to Gene Keady --- ultimately the head basketball coach at Purdue. Working with Coach Keady for 18 seasons as assistant coach, Bruce moved to head coach position at Southern Illinois University before becoming University of Illinois head coach in 2003.

Bruce Weber mentored University of Illinois standout players who went on to achieve Pro status: Deron Williams, Luther Head, James Augustine and Dee Brown.

Early life for Bruce Weber began in Milwaukee, as one of five children. By his own admission he was never an outstanding athlete himself; he earned the nickname "Dirt" growing up due to many sports related injuries. He and his wife, Megan are parents to three children.