Dave Nelson

David Nelson (born ) is an American former professional basketball player and coach. He played two years of college basketball for the Fort Lewis Skyhawks before playing eight seasons in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) between 1981 and 1995. He won three NBL championships with the Canberra Cannons in 1983, 1984 and 1988. He became a naturalised Australian during his playing career. He also served as a head coach in the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) in 1987 and 1988.

Early life Nelson hails from Boulder, Colorado.

College career Nelson played two years of college basketball for the Fort Lewis Skyhawks between 1977 and 1979. He was named second-team All-RMAC as a junior in 1977–78 and first-team All-RMAC as a senior in 1978–79. He averaged 16.8 points as a junior and 19.0 points as a senior. He was named the most valuable player in the league.

In 1981, Nelson debuted in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) for the Canberra Cannons. He was named in the All-NBL Team in his first season after averaging a career-high 24.3 points per game. He played in the 1982 NBL All-Star Game and helped the Cannons win back-to-back NBL championships in 1983 and 1984. and reached 100 NBL games and 2,000 points in 1984. In 1985, he scored more than 500 points for the Cannons but was out of action at different times for an operation on his foot and two broken ribs. He also joined the Bullets' playing group for the 1986 NBL season and served in a dual player-assistant role. and recorded one win and one loss. He helped the Bullets reach the NBL grand final series, where they lost to the Adelaide 36ers. In 20 games for the Bullets in the 1986 NBL season, he averaged 9.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.

In October 1987, Nelson signed to return to the Cannons as a player for the 1988 NBL season as well as filling the promotions, public relations and marketing position. After winning a third championship in 1988, he retired from the NBL with 166 games and over 3000 points.

Nelson returned to the Cannons in 1995 as a 39-year-old

Coaching career Nelson served as head coach of the Brisbane Lady Bullets of the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) during the 1987 season. The team missed the playoffs with a fifth-place finish and a 13–9 record.

Personal life In 1984, Nelson became eligible for Australian naturalisation. By 1986, he was a naturalised Australian. He has been the owner and chef of two Mexican restaurants in Canberra, where he had a cult following for his ribs and wings.