Photo M.Ceretti / Ciamillo-Castoria
Growing up in Sardinia, between sea and sacrifice, and arriving on the most prestigious parquet in the world. It’s the story of Richard Fois, 38 years old, originally from Olbia, today in the technical staff of New York Knicks including assistant coach to Mike Brown.
A path made of study, passion and hard work that took him from the island gyms to the Madison Square Garden, a world-class basketball center. Here’s his interview with La Nuova Sardegna.
From Gonzaga University to the NBA: A Step-by-Step Journey
After graduating from Gonzaga University, Fois worked with the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings, in addition to collaborating on a permanent basis with the Italian National of basketball.
“Every stop,” he says, “has been a step forward, but also an opportunity to learn. In the NBA, there’s never an easy game: every night you have to be ready to compete at the highest level.”
Today, the Sardinian coach is a key figure on the Knicks’ staff: “My role is to help Coach Brown on both offense and defense, because I know his system well. On the court, harmony is key: we work hard, but with great enthusiasm.”
The pride of representing Italy in the NBA
Being the only Italian on an NBA franchise is no small achievement. Fois takes it with humility and a sense of responsibility:
“Bringing a little bit of Italy to the world’s most important league is a source of pride. I was fortunate to grow up alongside great coaches, from Ettore Messina to Sergio Scariolo. They taught me that basketball is a school of life, not just sport.”
Riccardo Fois: Sardinian Roots and an International Spirit
Despite having lived in the United States for years, the coach has not forgotten his origins:
“I miss Olbia so much. Sardinia is a place that stays with you: you only understand how lucky you are when you’re away. I always carry it with me, like a point of reference.”
And he adds with a smile: “I haven’t been in the water in a long time, but the Sardinian sea remains unique. Growing up there taught me simple but fundamental values: respect, hard work, and a sense of community.”
Life and Work in New York: “Every Day a Challenge”
Living in the city that never sleeps is an intense experience: “New York is expensive and demanding, but every morning I wake up happy to be doing what I love. Coaching in the NBA is a dream that comes true day by day.”
Fois looks to the future with balance: “I don’t think about how far I’ll get, but how much I can improve. As long as I have this motivation, I’ll know I’m on the right path.”
The story of Richard Fois is an example of how the determination and roots can coexist with international ambition. From Sardinia in New York, his journey is a message for all young people who dream of turning their passion into a profession: believing in yourself is the first step to going far.