• RIM Detroit Diehards Wheelchair Basketball Team
  • Head Coach
  • U.S. Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball
  • Former Head Coach Men’s Team

Maurice ​“Mo” Phillips, Jr. is currently devoted, full-time to his position of head coach for the Detroit Diehards, and serving on the National Wheelchair Basketball Assoc (NWBA) Rules Committee. Prior to its dissolution in January 2004, Mo held a managerial position at Kids ​‘R Us. His prior work experience also includes durable medical equipment sales/​management and property management. Mo has been active in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) for over 30 years — 25 years as a player and in a coaching capacity since 1998.

At a grass roots level, Mo has been a mentor to many young players over the years, particularly those growing up in his home state of Michigan. Mo worked with Winners on Wheels, an organization to promote sports, education and activity, working directly with children with disabilities. He has worked with local physicians and physical therapists to promote the visibility and participation in wheelchair sports. Mo has been involved with Athletes Unlimited for 15 years, working collaboratively to promote disabled sports and to mentor and facilitate the development of young athletes. Mo also played an instrumental role in the administrative responsibilities (President and Vice President) of the Detroit Sparks Wheelchair Basketball Association, leading to the team’s re-emergence into the national tournament in 1989.

Mo has been involved with the U.S. Men’s Team since 1997 when he served on the US Team Selection Committee, and served in a coaching role for the U.S. Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball Men’s Team. . National and international awards and accomplishments include:

NWBA National Tournaments:

  • Championship Teams (Player) 1977, 1979, 1982
  • Championship Teams (Coach) 1999, 2000
  • Named All American 1978, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1988, 1990
  • Captain James S. Ure Sportsmanship Award 1978, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1988, 1990, 1994
  • Inducted into the NWBA Hall of Fame 1998
  • Inducted into the ADHOF Hall of Fame 2004

International Teams:

  • Pan American Team 1982, Gold Medal
  • Paralympic Team 1984

Coaching Experience — NWBA:

  • Head Coach Michigan Thunderbirds 1998
  • Head Coach Dallas Mavericks 1999 and 2000, winning the National Championship both years
  • Head Coach Detroit Diehards for the past 3 years.

Coaching Experience – International:

  • Assistant Coach Pan American USA Men’s Team 1999, Gold Medal
  • Assistant Coach Paralympic USA Men’s Team 2000, Bronze Medal
  • Head Coach Pan American USA Men’s Team 2001, Silver Medal
  • Head Coach Gold Cup USA Men’s Team 2002, Gold Medal
  • Head Coach Pan American USA Men’s Team 2003, Silver Medal
  • Head Coach Paralympic USA Men’s Team 2004, 7Th Place
  • Assistant Coach Great Britain Team European Championships 2005, Silver Medal
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