better people. better players.

more than basketball

Coaches Swen Nater and Pat De Smet combine for more than a century of basketball experience that includes playing, coaching, and ministry experiences at the youth, middle school, HS C-Team, HS JV, HS Varsity, AAU, JUCO, NAIA, NCAA D3, NCAA D2, NCAA D1, Semi-pro, International, ABA, and NBA levels.

Pat and Swen’s relationship goes far beyond the basketball court, however. They have been close friends for many years, connected by a shared love for Jesus, the Bible, basketball, family, food, laughter, and good-natured humor.

They attend church together, spend time together with their families, and genuinely enjoy life together. Their friendship is built on a shared faith and a mutual desire to invest in people - not simply to develop better basketball players but to help young people become better men and women.

That friendship is at the heart of Bible and Ball. Pat and Swen aren’t simply business partners or coaches working together. They are friends and brothers-in-Christ who share a faith, a passion, and a genuine love for people - and they want young athletes to experience that same joy, connection, and purpose.

Co-COACH SWEN NATER

UCLA basketball standout who played under legendary Hall of Fame coach John Wooden
Two-time NCAA Champion with UCLA
Member of UCLA teams that contributed to the program’s historic 88-game winning streak
First-round NBA Draft selection and professional player in both the ABA and NBA
11-year professional basketball career at the highest level
Two-time ABA All-Star
NBA Rebounding Champion - one of the most accomplished rebounders of his generation
Only player in history to lead both the ABA (1975 with the Spurs) and NBA (1980 with the Clippers) in rebounding
A member of the elite 30-30 club, where he once had 30 points and 33 rebounds in a game while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks
Holds the NBA record with 18 defensive rebounds in one half
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Nominee
Coach, teacher, and mentor who has continued investing in athletes and coaches long after his playing career
National Champion Coach - Coaching Christian Heritage College to a National Christian College Championship
Brings decades of experience teaching young athletes the importance of discipline, character, teamwork, and perseverance
At Bible and Ball, Swen helps young athletes connect basketball, character, faith, and life, believing the game can be a powerful vehicle for developing the whole person

Who bible & ball is (and is not)

CO-COACH and founder PAT DE SMET

25+ years experience as a coach, trainer, player-development coach, and mentor working with high school and college athletes
As a HS starter at C, JV, and V levels, led teams a 65-2 record
Named Athlete of the Year at Anoka-Ramsey Community College
All-Region point guard averaging 16 points and 11 assists per game
Earned a full athletic scholarship to Augustana University in Sioux Falls
Participated in three professional tryouts
Head coaching experience at the middle school, HS C-Team, HS JV, HS Varsity, AAU, and collegiate levels
Earned a Masters in Ministry (M.Min) - worked as a Bible Teacher, Chaplain, and Sports Ministry Founder
Former Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Most recently led Summit Classical Christian School to three consecutive state tournaments in his three years as head coach; known for developing tough teams that compete together
Known for his love for Jesus, his family, his players, his students, and the game
Founder of Bible and Ball, combining basketball development with biblical character and life formation because you cannot separate the person from the player