In the blink of an eye, the glamorous weekend has flown by. And now, the grand spectacle, the NBA All-Star Game is just hours away. The lights are already blazing on the hardwood stars but let’s not forget the coaches who share the spotlight too. Among them is a young and rising head coach, Mark Daigneault, whose journey to the All-Star stage is nothing short of remarkable. But would he be basking in these spotlights today if he hadn’t accepted Oklahoma City’s offer about than a decade ago? At least, that’s where things were heading for him because of his wife’s passion.

When Daigneault enrolled at the University of Florida 15 years ago, he had no idea that his life would take a sharp turn, leading him to a low-level staff position under Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, who was with the Gators at the time. Despite the role not requiring him to be on the court, Daigneault worked relentlessly, ensuring his presence was felt. But there were no hopes for a jump to the NBA. However, fate had a different plan in store for him.

His representative now, Oliver Winterbone, was also a Florida staffer with dreams of making it to the league. Whenever OKC GM Sam Presti was in town, Winterbone would set up meetings, and soon it worked out. Presti eventually offered Daigneault a coaching position in 2014 with the team’s G League affiliate, OKC Blue. But Daigneault wasn’t ready for it. In fact, he almost turned it down. The reason? At the time, he was dating his wife, Ashley Kerr. She was building her gymnastics coaching career in Florida so moving was not on the cards. They also had plans to settle in Gainesville as per The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. Moreover, the G League didn’t have the same level of respect as it does now.

But Presti eventually convinced Daigneault to take the leap. Fortunately, he made the right call and waited patiently for his turn. And 5 years later, he was welcomed to the Thunder as an assistant coach, gradually entering his coaching role in 2020. Though his start wasn’t as impressive, Daigneault steadily proved himself, earning Coach of the Year title last season. His remarkable talent also led him to the All-Star Game, where he is named head coach of Team Chuck’s Global Stars. His true feelings on the experience? That’s not something the 39-year-old is focusing on much.

Mark Daigneault opens up about his feelings for the NBA All-Star weekend

Thanks to the Thunder’s dominant performance this season, which secured them the top spot in the Western Conference, head coach Mark Daigneault and his assistants earned the opportunity to lead the All-Star team and the Rising Stars squad. When asked about it, he expressed his gratitude.

“We’re honored. Myself and our coaching staff are honored to be out here,” Daigneault told the media. However, he didn’t want to delve deeper into matters that were of lesser importance to him. While many were sharing their thoughts and remarks on the competitiveness of the event and the change in format, he stated, “I have a really hard time, like, with macro takes on stuff like this. I don’t put a lot of thought into it. I don’t have all the information. It’s an honor to be out here… I’m not the person to talk to about you big picture direction of the All-Star Game.” Well that makes him one of a kind.

For now, Daigneault is preparing for a drama-filled game set to begin in a couple of hours, with his first challenge being against Kenny’s Young Stars. That’s definitely something you won’t want to miss! But which team are you supporting in the All-Star Game? Let us know in the comments below!