Our second Coaching Corner feature of the offseason features Timothy Christian head coach Dennis McNulty. McNulty led TCS to an 18-10 record last winter, featuing wins in the county and state tournament. Junior Jalen Fleming also crossed the 1,000 point mark in the 2023-2024 season.
1.) What inspired you to get involved with coaching high school basketball?
I actually began at TCS as the middle school “B” basketball coach. Kids that were too small or needed development comprised the roster. I wanted to get involved in using my love of the game and my faith tradition to sow into the lives of young people. Fast forward and some of those original “B Boys”played for me in high school.
2.) What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of being a high school basketball coach in 2024?
The challenges might be surrounding some of the unreasonable expectations some athletes and parents have regarding playing at the next level. Theres a reason a small percentage of HS athletes play at the next level. The most rewarding part is the relationships forged with some really incredible young people. They keep me young, on my toes, and IN PRAYER!
3.) What are a few of your favorite moments of your coaching career?
Our first year we beat a good undefeated Dunellen team (ranked 6th in the county) in our gym on a Friday night. Ronnie Burwan dropped 26 that night. The crowd, the energy, the togetherness gave me and the coaching staff a glimpse into what we thought we could build in Pway. This year’s GMC tournament first round road win at Spotswood. Not an easy gym to play in (their fans are awesome) but our community came out in record numbers. The atmosphere that night was what I believe HS basketball should be about. Those student athletes and fans in the stands will remember it for a lifetime.
4.) Who were some of your key influences early in your coaching career that helped you develop, not only as an “X’s and O’s” strategist, but as a communicator and role model to young men?
As a student at St. Peter’s high school during the Somogyi coaching days, I idolized him. I would watch him on the sideline, working the officials, exhorting his players, I knew then I wanted to one day do the same.
From a distance, I would say Coach Jerry Petitgoue as well. The Legendary coach at Cuba City (Wisconsin). His coaching style, approach to the game have had an impact through clinics and videos.
5.) You’re assigned to construct NJ Basketball’s Mount Rushmore. Which Coaches are on it? These can be names from 70 years ago or 70 seconds ago.
Bob Hurley, John Somogyi, Audrey Taylor, Dawn Karpell.
6.) Will your team be participating in any summer leagues? If so, where?
Odie Page Summer league @ New Brunswick HS.
We will also participate in NJ Live, Philly Live.
7.) What advice would you give to young men and women who are interested in becoming high school coaches?
Check your motives. Ask the hard question, what is my purpose for doing this? Stay humble. God resist the proud but gives grace to the humble. Grace is needed to do this job.
8.) What is the most unique part of the coaching position at Timothy Christian?
The nature of the student athletes. Many lack reps and don’t play basketball or train year round. We pride ourselves in growing our athletes no matter what their initial skill set.
9.) In relation to the environment, as someone who is on campus, what is it about Timothy Christian that is most special to you outside of coaching the basketball team?
From the day I arrived her as a parent, I sensed the place was special. The sense of community and unity shines through this place. I’m biased but the parcel of ground on 2008 Ethel Road is truly God ordained. Not perfect (no place is) but the families, traditions, and our common faith make it a truly special place.
10.) So many in society today view tuition for religious education as a "burden" but will spend endless money on the latest gadgets, gizmos and a host of other lifestyle related things...
Having been around Christ-Centered schools for much of your life and working as a minister....
Elevator pitch for why parents should make the financial investment into a faith-based environment such as Timothy Christian...
We will reap what we sow as parents. My wife and I have two students who have graduated, and a third class of 2026 is on her way. To me it’s an investment that will produce a huge return on investment. Their foundation is strong because of their Christ centered education.
Photo Credit: Timothy Christian School