Zach Chu
Zach Chu became the youngest head basketball coach in NCAA Division I history when he was named the 9th head coach of Radford University Basketball this past March.
A native of Dallas, Texas, Chu brings over nine years of experience in the National Basketball Association (NBA), including five with the Dallas Mavericks and three with the Indiana Pacers. He most recently served on the staff at SMU for the past season.
Chu most recently served on the staff at SMU, helping the Mustangs to a 23-10 record overall, which included a mark of 13-7 in conference play. The team advanced to the ACC quarterfinals and put itself in position to become a bubble team for the upcoming NCAA Tournament, all during the program's first year in the prestigious power conference.
Prior to his role with the Mustangs, Chu served for three seasons on Carlisle's staff with the Indiana Pacers as the Manager of Game Strategy and Analytics. While with the Pacers, the squad advanced all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2023-24.
Before his time in Indiana, Chu served as an assistant coach for three years with the Texas Legends, the G-League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks, followed by two seasons as the analytics liaison to Carlisle with the Mavs.
During Chu's tenure with the Mavericks, the team achieved the most efficient offense in NBA history at the time with an offensive rating of 115.9 in 2020. His time with the Legends was highlighted by a 29-21 campaign in 2017-18, which led to the team's second post season appearance all-time since moving to Texas. Chu spent his first year in the NBA as a player development intern with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Chu has also traveled extensively as part of Nike's grassroots basketball initiatives, which included eight trips to Asia as a coach and ambassador for the game of basketball. His experience includes working at the Nike All-Asia Camp, Basketball Without Borders in Taiwan, as well as with the Chinese National Team in Beijing.
Chu graduated from the University of Richmond where he was a walk-on member of the men's basketball team from 2011-15. He received his bachelor's degree in finance in 2015, while earning the distinction of university scholar-athlete.
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"Zach Chu is a forward-thinking choice to continue the tradition of Radford University basketball. Where Coach Chu goes, success follows."
Rick Carlisle
Current Indiana Pacers Head Coach
and Two-Time NBA Champion
"Zach is very creative in his coaching approach which will help his staff navigate the ever-changing environment in college basketball. Zach can help players develop their skill sets quickly and improve offensively and defensively. Radford hired one of the best.”
Andy enfield
SMU Men’s Basketball Head Coach
"Zach Chu is a next generation, forward thinking coach. He has worked for one of the best coaches in the NBA in Rick Carlisle and worked with some of the best players in the NBA. He missed no step in his basketball journey. Zach is a great communicator and teacher. He has coached all over the world. I have no doubt he will have tremendous success at Radford."
Seth greenberg
Current ESPN Broadcaster and Former Head Coach
at Long Beach State, South Florida and Virginia
Tech
"Zach is a tremendous choice to lead Radford Basketball! He is extremely intelligent and hard-working. He has thrived in his career in the NBA and the ACC because of his innovative approach and his ability to communicate effectively with players and coaches. His vision for the future of Radford Basketball is unique and exciting! Zach and the Highlanders will thrive in this new era of college basketball."
Chris mooney
University of Richmond Men’s Basketball Head Coach
"Zach is one of the brightest young basketball minds I have been around. He has developed a real edge with his ability to see the game with a balance of analytics, instinct and feel. I expect him to capitalize on these gifts and bring great success to Radford."
Donnie Nelson
Former General Manager and President of Basketball Operations
and NBA Champion with the Dallas
Mavericks
Let’s Play
CHU BALL, LLC
EIN: 33-4634675
Zach Chu Basketball Camp
P.O. Box 6913
Radford, VA 24142
(217) 294-0224
dawatkins@radford.edu