(Photo: USA TODAY Sports)
From Wake Forest Athletic Communications
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - With more than a decade of experience coaching in the NBA and the G-League, Wake Forest men's basketball head coach Steve Forbes has announced the addition of Nick Friedman to his staff as an assistant coach.
"Nick comes highly recommended by numerous NBA coaches, players, front office personnel, agents, and his college coaches," Forbes said. "When I started searching for a new coach in late April, Nick was immediately on my list of potential candidates. Over the past four or five weeks, he and I had several thought provoking conversations. Following each time we spoke, I came away more and more impressed with his synchronized vision for how offense should be organized, developed, taught, and implemented. His vision matched what I was looking for. In addition, Nick's wide array of NBA and G-League experience regarding player evaluation, roster construction and his agent relationships will be an invaluable addition to our staff. I was impressed with his enthusiasm, positivity and willingness to be a part of our program."
"When Coach Forbes explained to me the meaning behind his program's mantra of GRACE, I was indescribably moved," Friedman said. "I immediately felt in my gut that the opportunity to be a part of Wake Forest's basketball environment made the absolute most sense for the next stage of growth. I truly believe that my perspectives — specifically on offense and player development — built through years of coaching in the NBA can have a positive impact on young men at the collegiate level trying to build careers through this game we love. I felt that positive impact could be best realized by joining Coach Forbes and his staff here at Wake Forest. This program has built a special foundation and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of its bright future."
Friedman has worked with the Charlotte Hornets, Capital City Go-Go, Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Northern Arizona Suns, Maine Celtics, the Haitian National Team and the University of Miami during his coaching career where he has maximized player talent and growth. He was also selected to coach at Chris Paul's Elite College Guard Camp the past 5 years,, where he worked with two-time NBA All Star Ja Morant, 2024 NBA All Star Tyrese Maxey and former first-round picks Jared McCain and Cole Anthony amongst other talented players.
During the 2024-25 season as assistant coach and defensive coordinator for the Go-Go, Friedman helped lead Capital City to a team-record 31 wins. The Go-Go ranked No. 1 in the NBA G-League in opponent EFG percentage (51 percent) – after previously ranking 22nd prior to his arrival – and top-five in opponent three-point field goal percentage (32.8 percent; 3rd), assists per game (22.9; 3rd) and rim field goal percentage (69 percent; 4th).
With Charlotte, Friedman served as an assistant coach for four seasons under Steve Clifford and James Borrego as he led on-court activity for the NBA Draft process, oversaw defensive planning under Clifford and served as an offensive coordinator under Borrego.
In his time with the Hornets, Friedman also assembled individual development plans for numerous players including 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year Lamelo Ball, Kelly Oubre, Terry Rozier, Malik Monk, Tre Mann, Isaiah Thomas, Nick Smith Jr. and Caleb Martin.
Friedman's guidance also helped propel each of the teams he worked with to be more efficient on the offensive end, as the Hornets went from 23rd to 8th in offensive efficiency during the 2021-22 season and the Northern Arizona Suns from 17th to 3rd in efficiency in 2017-18.
Additionally as an assistant offensive coordinator for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Friedman helped lead the team to a Western Conference title as they ranked No. 1 in the G-League in two-point field goal percentage, offensive rating, rim field goal attempts, free throw attempts per game and offensive rebound percentage.
Since 2017, Friedman has served as the associate head coach for the Haitian National Team and founded a non-profit organization dedicated to developing the game at the grassroots level.
Friedman played two seasons at Bates College before earning an undergraduate degree in Sport Administration from Miami.
Friedman's Coaching Timeline
Wake Forest, Assistant Coach: 2025-Present
Capital City Go-Go (Washington Wizards) - Assistant Coach/Defensive Coordinator: 2024-25
Charlotte Hornets
Haitian National Team, Associate Head Coach: 2017-Present
Maine Celtics (Boston Celtics) - Associate Head Coach: 2018-19
Northern Arizona Suns (Phoenix Suns) - Assistant Coach/Offensive Coordinator: 2017-18
Rio Grande Valley Vipers (Houston Rockets) - Video Coordinator: 2016-17
University of Miami, Graduate Assistant: 2015-16
What They're Saying About Friedman
Steve Clifford, Former Charlotte Hornets Head Coach
"Nick Friedman was an important part of our staff with the Charlotte Hornets my last two years there. He has great knowledge, is an excellent teacher and a very good communicator. He had the total respect of our players and was a valuable part of our franchise. He will be a great addition for Wake Forest Basketball."
James Borrego, Former Charlotte Hornets Head Coach & Current New Orleans Pelicans Assistant Coach
"Nick will be a tremendous addition to the Wake Forest program. He brings a wealth of experience and passion for the game. The players and staff will love the joy and care he brings on a daily basis. His offensive mind and player development experience will help elevate the program to new heights."
Matt Brase, Philadelphia 76ers Assistant Coach
"Congratulations to my incredible friend, Nick Friedman, on becoming an assistant coach at Wake Forest. Nick's journey is a powerful reminder that when talent, integrity and hard work align, greatness follows. What a great addition to Coach Forbes' staff and all of Demon Deacon Nation!"
Jonathan Wall, Capital City Go-Go (Washington Wizards G-League Affiliate) General Manager
"Nick combines a profound knowledge of the game with a passion that resonates with the players. What sets him apart is his remarkable ability to connect, communicate and inspire growth."
Ish Smith, Wake Forest Sports Hall of Famer & Washington Wizards Scout
"Nick is one of the most innovative and creative offensive minds I've been around. He has a great relationship with the players he works with on and off the court. I'm so happy for him but most of all, I'm happy for our program; we got better with the hire of Nick Friedman."