1. Steve Tucker, Southeast Texas Mustangs - ABA
The veteran coach paid his dues over the years, having coached in the CBA and at the college level. He is considered one of the best teachers in the minors, as his Mustangs won 25 straight games, finished 27-2 and were ranked No. 1 in the ABA power rankings for 11 straight weeks.
2. Bryan Gates, Idaho Stampede - NBADL
Gates is one of the brightest young coaches in the pro game -- anywhere. He led the Stampede to a D-League championship in 2008 and is on many NBA GM's radar today.
3. Michael Ray Richardson, Lawton-Fort Sills Cavalry - CBA
The former NBA All-Star had his share of personal issues as a player, but has overcome it all to become a top-notch coach, having led the Cavalry to back-to-back championships.
4. Rod Baker, Rochester Razorsharks - PBL
Another guy who is often overlooked, all Baker does is win. His Razorsharks have won back-to-back PBL titles -- and two before that as members of the ABA.
5. Bob MacKinnon, Colorado 14ers - NBADL
The veteran coach just led the 14ers to the D-League title in his first season. Another guy who is considered a great teacher of the game.
6. Kevin Keathley, East Kentucky Miners - CBA
One of the youngest head coaches in pro basketball, Keathley is also quickly becoming recognized as one of the best. He built the Miners from the ground up into one of the best franchises in all of the minors.
7. Will Voigt, Vermont Frost Heaves - PBL
Voigt led the Frost Heaves to two ABA championships and into the PBL playoffs this past season, establishing himself as a guy who wins wherever his team goes.
8. Duane Ticknor, Dakota Wizards - NBADL
The all-time winningest coach in the old IBA is proving his success was no fluke in the D-League. Should be NBA-bound soon.
9. Terry Sare, Battle Creek Knights - PBL
Sare is considered an inspirational leader who treats his players like his own kids. He led the Knights to the finals in their first PBL season, and to the best regular-season record this past year.
10. Brad Jones, Utah Flash - NBADL
Another guy considered to be on the rise in the pro coaching ranks, Jones led the Flash to the D-League's best regular-season record and a berth in the Finals.
Honorable mention
Quin Snyder, Austin Toros - NBADL; Derrick Rowland, Albany Patroons - CBA; Otis Key, Kentucky Bisons - ABA; Rob Spon, Manchester Millrats - PBL; Jan Van Breda Kolff, Nashville Broncs - ABA; Nick Nurse, Iowa Energy - NBADL.
Note: PBN's list of the Top 10 pro coaches not in the NBA was compiled by a committee of minor league basketball coaches and administrators.