Mike Chalas enters his first season as a member of the Nova Southeastern coaching staff in 2021-22.
Originally from nearby Pembroke Pines, Fla., Chalas returns to his alma mater, where he played a combined 55 games as a Shark from 2014-16.
“I feel blessed and grateful to be a hometown guy that was able to play at my dream school,” said Chalas. “Now to be able to come back here in a coaching role is unbelievable to me. It is the utmost honor, and I’m ready to be part of such a great basketball program.”
Most recently, Chalas has created Synergy Basketball Academy, a company that focuses on developing the skills of a wide range of players including those at the high school and college level. His new experiences, coupled with the many coaching and playing styles he was exposed to during his playing days at Indian River State and NSU, are what he attributes to helping lead him to where he is today.
“Coaching is a never-ending process of growth and learning,” Chalas admits. “I can’t even begin to pinpoint how much I’ve learned, but I can tell you it’s all been worth it and everything happens for a reason. Understanding that each player is different, especially with the way they learn and adapt to the game, I have matured in regard to differentiating and detailing my coaching tactics to each player’s needs and skill level.”
Chalas will now have the opportunity firsthand to learn even more from one of the very best coaches of all-time in NSU head coach Jim Crutchfield, although Crutchfield may be just as excited about the move.
“Mike not only has great expertise in developing basketball players, but he genuinely cares about the success of NSU Basketball and its players,” expressed Crutchfield. “He knows our players well, as he has worked with many of them over the last couple years. I know he will hit the floor running.
“We pride ourselves in bringing quality people into the program who are fun to be around, and he certainly fits the bill,” Crutchfield added. “It’s great to have him aboard!”
