Pressey brings playing, coaching experience to Maine

PORTLAND, Maine. - On February 5, 2015, Phil Pressey racked up 34 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists while on assignment from the Boston Celtics to the Maine Red Claws. A decade later, Pressey is preparing to lead the Maine Celtics as the team's head coach for the 2025-26 season.

Pressey is the first head coach in franchise history to also play for Maine during his career. The former NBA Guard played in 148 career NBA games over three seasons in the NBA. Pressey played 125 games over two seasons with the Celtics from 2013-15, averaging 3.1 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. His coach during his time in Boston was Brad Stevens, who is now the President of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics.

Additionally, he played in 78 career G League games from 2014-17 and played two more professional seasons overseas in Spain. That experience as a player has helped prepare Pressey to teach his players about the importance of a 'growth mindset,' guiding guys as they navigate their careers in the NBA G League.

"Try to find ways to grow in every situation and every opportunity," Pressey explained. "Every situation and opportunity isn’t ideal, but if you are more growth-oriented than goal-oriented, it allows you to maximize every opportunity. Being able to instill that mindset into these guys is where I get the most joy, is seeing these guys move up.” 

Pressey's coaching experience aligns with that mission perfectly. He began his coaching career in 2022 as an assistant coach with his alma mater, the University of Missouri. Pressey then joined the Boston Celtics in 2023 where he has been ever since, working as a Player Development coach.

“Phil’s journey – from playing in the NBA and NBA G League to developing talent with the Boston Celtics – makes him the perfect fit to lead our team and connect with the Maine community," said Maine Celtics General Manager Jarell Christian. "We can’t wait for our fans to get to know him and see the energy and passion he brings to the game.”

“Being able to be a head coach is a big-time blessing, Pressey said. "Big time opportunity. I want to be seen as a hardworking coach who will have high expectations. We are not judged on wins and losses, but on how hard we play, how well we are prepared. If we do that, the wins will take care of themselves.” 

Pressey said an integral part of the coaching staff's job in Maine is to create professional behaviors on and off the court. A key focus for the organization and Pressey will be the development of the team's Two-Way players, Amari Williams, Max Shulga, and Ron Harper Jr.

"Those guys have a growth mindset. They understand the process and it's going to be a pleasure to work with them," Pressey said.

The NBA G League presents unique challenges for a first-year head coach. The availability of your Two-Way players can change on any given night. Players earn a call-up, get traded, or injured. There are countless scenarios that create changes in the roster that the coach has to manage on the court and in the locker room. After years as a player and as an assistant coach, Pressey believes the top challenge he faces is keeping the team together through the ups and downs of a G League season.

"You will gain new pieces to the team and lose pieces, but try to maintain that chemistry. Team is the most important thing and any type of success we have; we have to have the same level of humility to continue to get better," he said. "We don’t judge ourselves by the scoreboard, we judge ourselves by process... Results are what matters, but winning is a biproduct of what you do daily.” 

Pressey has previously mentioned another potential challenge as a first-year head coach could be containing his emotions on the sideline. A fierce competitor, Pressey will bring passion and energy to the sidelines. The former NBA guard says its pivotal to become a motivator for his team, and be inspirational in his community.

“I think that’s the first part in any sport is how do you motivate your team. I hope I can inspire people, too. Being a head coach, you are in a position of leadership. So, inspiring is one of my duties, and I think I do that by just being me. I expect it to be a super fun season. Mainers are going to be excited when we have our first home game on November 14th and I’m counting down the days to that.”  

After one more game on the road against Raptors 905, Maine will return to the Portland Expo for a battle with the Long Island Nets. Tickets to the Maine Celtics' home opener on November 14th against the Long Island Nets. Tickets can be found here.