Romeoville, Ill. – Longtime associate head coach
Nick Rocco will serve as head coach of the Lewis University men's basketball program for the 2025-26 campaign following the retirement of head coach Scott Trost.
"The last nine seasons have been filled with amazing experiences," said Rocco. "There have been memorable championships and great players throughout my time here, but most importantly, there has been a strong community here at Lewis that has become my second family. I am excited to continue the winning tradition that I have gratefully been a part of during the last nine seasons with Scott Trost. I look forward to building upon our success and continuing to strengthen our program and the Lewis athletics family."
"I am thrilled that the university is giving Coach Rocco the position that he's so nicely deserves" said Trost. "He has been a loyal and trustworthy associate to me. He has been essential to the success of this program and I could not have done it without his dedication and commitment. I am leaving Lewis basketball in great hands under his leadership. I will be rooting for Roc, I know I won't be the only one, and the program to reach greater heights."
Rocco has mentored numerous All-GLVC honorees while with the Flyers, most recently helping
Rob Stroud (Danville, Ill./Kankakee CC) land on the 2024-25 All-GLVC First Team and
Ryan Renfro (Glen Ellyn, Ill./U.S. Military Prep) and
Paxton Warden (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West) collect second team honors. Rocco has also coached numerous all-region and All-American players such as Kendale McCullum who was named the GLVC Defensive Player of the Year, NABC All-Midwest Region and an NABC All-American in 2019.
Rocco has been apart of three GLVC conference championships with Lewis, most recently helping the Flyers appear in the 2024 GLVC Championship game and win the 2021 GLVC Men's Basketball Tournament. He has also helped lead the men's basketball program to a number one overall seed in the 2019 GLVC Tourney, a national ranking of 15th in the NABC Division II poll ('19), a nationally ranking of 7th in the D2SIDA Media polls ('19), a Midwest Region number one seed, the and three NCAA tournament berths.
Coach Rocco has had eight players go on to play professional basketball out of Lewis in leagues ranging from the NBA to first through third European divisions overseas. Some players that Rocco has coached and mentored include Max Strus (Cleveland Cavaliers/NBA), Delaney Blaylock (Appollon Patras/Greece) and Kendale McCullum (Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan/Israel).
Prior to Lewis, Rocco spent four seasons as the assistant to the late, legendary prep basketball coach Gene Pingatore at nationally renowned St. Joseph's in Westchester, Ill. During his tenure with Coach Pingatore, St. Joseph's won two Chicago Catholic League championships, three regional championships, two sectional championships and two State Finals appearances. With Rocco on the sideline, St. Joseph's won the 2015 IHSA State Championship with a 67-63 win over Althoff.
"I am excited to see Coach Rocco get the opportunity to lead the program this upcoming season" Assistant Vice President For Athletics
John Ashaolu. "He has developed under the tutelage of Scott Trost and been an integral part of our program. He has our full support and I look forward to him guiding our student-athletes to a competitive and successful year on the court."
Rocco played for Keith Bunkenburg at Benedictine University before starting his coaching journey in 2010 at Nazareth Academy.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
"Rocco's passion for the game and his student athletes, developmental ability, along with his relatable and transparent communication style made Coach Rocco an easy choice when considering this next step in our son's life!"
– Derek Fisher, 5x NBA Champion and Former Los Angeles Lakers Player
"I truly believe that
Nick Rocco is the perfect slam dunk fit to take over the Head Coaching Position at Lewis University. Nick has learned from two of the best coaches in all of Chicago, Scott Trost for the last 9 years at Lewis, and legendary coach Gene Pingatore of St. Joe's for 4 years prior. Nick's players will see his leadership skills, passion, energy, knowledge of basketball, and love that he has for Lewis University. He knows the game and the players that fit his recruiting profile. Nick's strong ties to the local basketball community and his reputation for building high-character teams make him an ideal fit for the values and aspirations of Lewis University. A great decision by the Lewis administration."
– Brian James, Northwestern Men's Basketball Assistant Coach
"
Nick Rocco coaches with a genuine passion and care players will be eager to follow. His enthusiasm for the game and ability to develop players will set an example for the program and athletic department as a whole. In addition to building and sustaining equity in the local basketball communities, his reputation for having and recruiting high-character teams aligns with the values of Lewis University.
–
Jordan Ash, Assistant Coach of the Valley Suns of the G-League
"Coach Rocco was more than just our coach, he was someone who showed up for me personally off the court just as much as on it. The time we spent working out on the court built more than just strength, it built trust and a relationship that I still value to this day. I'm grateful for everything he poured into me, not just as a player, but as a person!"
–
Delaney Blaylock, Former Lewis MBB Player and Player for Appollon Patras
"Coach
Nick Rocco is a coach players love playing for! He'll make players better on and off the court. Everybody is excited about the future of the Flyers!"
–
Joe Niego, Former Lewis MBB Player and Houston Rockets Draft Selection
"It's been a privilege to watch Nick Rocco's rise up the coaching ranks. His track record of leadership, player development, and passion for the game make him an outstanding choice to lead the program. I know he will continue to add to the storied tradition of Lewis' basketball."
- Gene Heidkamp , Head Coach Benet Academy
"The Flyers program is in great hands with Rocco at the helm. I've known him for 15+ years and he is a great communicator and one of the best I know at building relationships. He will take the program to another level. Go Flyers!"
- Mahmoud Abdelfattah, Head Coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves G League
The inaugural Lewis men's basketball schedule and roster under Rocco will be revealed at a later date.
For the latest news and updates on Lewis men's basketball, visit LewisFlyers.com and follow the Flyers on social media at @lewisflyersmbb on Instagram and @LewisMBBall on X.
