NBA All-Star and Chester, PA native served as Assistant GM/76ers Scout since 2020
Ryan Ayers, JP Clark, and God Shammgod, Jr. complete Head Coach Mike Longabardi's staff
WILMINGTON – NOV. 10, 2023 – The Philadelphia 76ers announced today the promotion of Jameer Nelson to General Manager of the Delaware Blue Coats, the team’s NBA G League affiliate.
Nelson previously served as Blue Coats Assistant General Manager/76ers Scout since November 2020, a tenure that included three-straight trips to the G League Finals, a 2021 Winter Showcase Cup Title, and culminated with the 2022-23 NBA G League Championship.
"Jameer has approached his front office and scouting roles with the same tenacity that he approached the game during his playing career. He is a great talent evaluator who is well-respected by players, agents, coaches and executives alike, suiting him for success as the next General Manager of the Blue Coats," Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey said.
"Jameer succeeds Prosper Karangwa, who led the Blue Coats to their first-ever G League title last year and has done an incredible job in growing the program. We are thankful to Prosper for what he's done in Delaware and are grateful he's an integral member of our 76ers front office."
A 14-year NBA veteran, Nelson was named an All-Star in 2009 as a member of the Orlando Magic. Nelson was a first-round pick (No. 20 overall) of the Denver Nuggets in 2004 and averaged over 11 points, five assists and three rebounds across a career with Orlando, Dallas, Boston, Denver, New Orleans and Detroit. Collegiately, the Chester, Pennsylvania native starred at St. Joseph’s University, guiding the Hawks to the Elite Eight in 2004 and was named National Player of the Year, a first-team All-American selection and Atlantic 10 Player of the Year.
The Blue Coats also announced the team’s coaching staff for the 2023-24 season. Under first-year head coach Mike Longabardi, newcomer Ryan Ayers completes the Blue Coats’ bench, joining returning assistant coaches JP Clark and God Shammgod Jr.
Ayers joins the Blue Coats after most recently serving as assistant coach for the U.S. Virgin Islands Men’s National Team. Prior to his time with FIBA, Ayers was an as assistant coach for Division I Notre Dame. A Fighting Irish alumnus himself, Ayers graduated ranked third in program history in three-point field goals made and eighth all-time in three-point field goal percentage. After a five-year professional career in Finland, France and the then-NBA D League (Fort Wayne, 2009-10 and Austin Toros, 2013), Ayers broke into the coaching ranks with his high school alma mater Germantown Academy and later was an assistant coach for Bucknell University.
Clark was named Assistant Coach in September 2021. Prior to joining the Blue Coats, Clark spent seven seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers and one season with the Boston Celtics organization. Prior to joining the NBA ranks, he held roles at Colgate University and the University of Central Florida. Clark played Division II basketball at Flagler College and later earned a master’s degree from UCF.
Shammgod, Jr. was named Assistant Coach in October 2021. He previously served as assistant coach for Indiana University of Pennsylvania for two seasons and one season each at Fairmont State University and Youngstown State University. Shammgod, Jr. starred at Division II Fairmont State, leading the Falcons to three NCAA Tournament appearances and the 2017 National Championship game. He graduated as the school’s all-time assists leader.
The Blue Coats open the 2023-24 NBA G League season this Friday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. against the Westchester Knicks. The team will celebrate its 2022-23 NBA G League Championship with a pregame ring and banner ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at Chase Fieldhouse at 6 p.m. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster, the Official Ticketing Partner of the Delaware Blue Coats.
ABOUT THE DELAWARE BLUE COATS:
The Delaware Blue Coats are the official NBA G League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers. The Blue Coats are the reigning NBA G League Champions and have made three-straight trips to the Finals. The team won the 2021 Winter Showcase Cup. For ticket information, visit https://bluecoats.gleague.nba.com/tickets. The Delaware Blue Coats organization is a Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment property.
ABOUT THE NBA G LEAGUE:
The NBA’s official minor league, the NBA G League prepares players, coaches, officials, training and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 31 teams, 29 with direct affiliations to NBA franchises for 2023-24, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. 55 percent of all players on end-of-season 2022-23 NBA rosters boasted NBA G League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA Cares programs.