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Vincent Gambelunghe Speaks on His Coaching Career, Worldview & Navigating Life

 

Vincent during a team huddle in the 2024 AAU season | MADE Hoops

HARRISBURG, PA -- Vincent Gambelunghe is an American basketball coach and former collegiate basketball player from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He most currently serves as the Central Dauphin Middle School and Central PA Elite AAU Basketball Club head coach, as CPE is an affiliate of the MADE Hoops Circuit. Gambelunghe graduated from Elizabethtown College in Spring 2023 with a bachelor's in psychology, while being a member of the Men's Basketball Program from 2019 to 2023.

Director Tyreese Smith caught up with Gambelunghe in an interview on his coaching career, experiences that have shaped his worldview and navigating life.

Vincent Gambelunghe Interview

Welcome to my new show, Vinny. Obviously, the kids are off to college as they had their turn, but now we get back to the basics. Let’s get started: How did your coaching journey begin?

  • "Thanks for having me. My journey began after my college career ended at E-Town and I was looking for a new opportunity to have an impact through the game of basketball. I was reached by my soon to be AAU director, Bob Thomas of Central PA Elite to coach the 7th grade team. I came into tryouts nervous, but excited. We had tryouts and it went really well as it seemed like I was a good fit. Once I coached that year of AAU, I saw that other teams were incredibly creative with how they put their guys in positions. It gave me confidence to do the same. We ended up having a winning season and then I was offered the CD junior high seventh grade team by former coach, Wayne Fletcher. That year we went undefeated and my confidence as a coach grew drastically. It allowed me to grow into the caliber of a coach as I am today."

How would you describe yourself as a coach?
  • "I would describe myself as a coach that meets all the criteria. Understanding that coaching takes multiple skills beyond just X’s and O’s. Being able to build rapport with the players, player development, adjustments, culture and more. I strive to meet all of these criteria to become the best coach I can be for my players. I like to win but I love the process as well."

Before you stepped into the role of big man, you were brought up through the prep system. Playing youth basketball, making it to the collegiate stage, while going through every step the whole nine yards not too long ago. How has your prep experience shaped how you are as a coach today?
  • "I think my ability to remain persistent in what I wanted allowed me to grow into a leader. I wanted to play more high-level basketball. Being assertive, staying consistent, and never giving up as a basketball player helped me translate those characteristics as a coach. But I was fortunate enough to pour what I had into other people who loved the game such as myself."

You’re a part of two main programs: Central Dauphin Athletics and Central PA Elite. Being one of the main boys basketball coaches under the umbrella the last few years. How’s that experience been?
  • "I am very humbled to be a part of both CD and Central PA Elite. If it doesn’t have Central in it I don’t want it." Gambelunghe said while laughing. "But I think a lot of my experience at these programs have made me a great leader trying to keep my expectations high. Especially with the players that I have been able to coach such as Landon Sallie and Tevin Williams in grassroots, who will both have stellar sophomore seasons at their respective schools. Both Division One prospects, for sure. Those types of kids make me go harder because they have a God given ability that needs to be maximized."

As you’ve dropped into coaching, it came at a time post-Covid. The uptick in social media content, pressure with surveillance, applying leadership while keeping a program in line with everybody involved. How would you describe coaching in modern times?
  • "Coaching in this generation isn’t for the faint of heart. People know that you’re going to get passed by the next man if you aren’t putting in that work. Some people have a hard time understanding that the game is changing drastically. Defensively, you have to practice rotations because offense is becoming more advanced at earlier ages. Also, everyone who is high-level either has a phenomenally special skillset, or is versatile and lanky. It’s also an era where every parent thinks they can coach their kid during games without being the coach. So you have your work cut out for you. I think it’s worth it."

As mentioned before, you were in the passenger seat before you grabbed the wheel. Now being out in the real world, it's a transition for a lot of us as I can relate. How has life been in your 20’s as you have navigated your journey?
  • "My life has been good in my 20's. I have enjoyed my 20's so far because it’s a real challenge. Having to navigate your own career path is not an easy thing to do, but I have enjoyed working towards meeting my expectations. I have learned a lot about myself and this world throughout my 20's, and I think it’s been an enjoyable time overall."

You’ve been on the road a lot these past few years. What has been your favorite trip and the memories that come with it?
  • "My favorite trip had to be going to UConn with my girlfriend. Being in Connecticut gave me a whole new viewpoint on what I need to work for. The area was beautiful. We actually stayed around the campus, which was so surreal. Knowing the type of history that UConn has for basketball. The championships, the legendary basketball moments, the players. All of it I was able to soak in. When I stayed there the people were so nice and everyone walked the streets. There was no crime, no honking from the cars and the weather was great. I could tell why special things usually happen in Connecticut. We also stayed near the beach and were able to go down there as well. 10 out of 10 recommendation for anyone to take a trip."

You're an active sports fan, but walk us through your favorite teams and how you came across rocking with them.
  • "This is a great question. I have some favorite teams starting with the most important sport in America, College Basketball. My college basketball team is Michigan State. Coached by the legendary Tom Izzo. MSU has a combination of talent and kids with the desire to be great. Not too many egos at MSU, but people you want to root for. They have a fantastic secondary offense and their defense is also pretty good too. Just an overall great team to follow. They usually retain their players as well. My NBA team, this is tough. I used to love the Celtics when they had Rajon Rondo running the show for their championship caliber team. He may have been the best passer I’ve seen in my lifetime. I was conflicted because I used to also love LeBron James with the Cavs when he came into the league. I also loved him with the heat which is kind of ironic because they became rivals in the east. I can’t really enjoy the Lakers as much as I did LeBron’s former teams. I respect teams with great Hall of Fame guards like Kyrie (Irving), Steph Curry, LeBron, and Chris Paul. CP3 might be a reach for some people, but they haven’t seen him in his prime."

Your pops, Randy Gambelunghe, has been a huge influence in your life. I know he’s been with you every step of the way as you navigate life. How is the connection that you two share in shaping who you are becoming?
  • "My dad plays an important part in my life and has helped shape me into the man I am today. You would think he forces me to be great, but he really encourages me to be myself. He’s taught me that if I want something I have to go get it done and be a self made man. So I’ve embraced that and learned a lot about myself as a leader because he let me be who I wanted, and never forced me to do more than what I wanted. I want to be a better coach than him one day."

Outside of everyday life, what would you say are your hobbies?
  • "In my spare time I like to thrift and resell books to flip them. I have an Amazon FBA dropshipping business. I like to make a side hustle by buying books."

Can’t speak too much on moves as the world goes around, but what’s the outlook on your 25-26 year?
  • "I plan to move up and coach high school basketball at Central Dauphin. I’m not sure what position I am in, but this will definitely determine what my commitment to grassroots will look like. If I get the head coaching job we plan on winning a championship."

Thank you Vinny for taking the time to talk with me. It’s not easy being put on the spot, but I appreciate the availability and professionalism. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?
  • "Thank you for having me Reese. My words of advice for the people who are reading this is to go be a dreamchaser. People may not believe in you, call you delusional, but sometimes their faith comes from seeing you wake up everyday getting after it. That's setting an example. Sometimes people think they have a better idea for your life rather than yourself. But, you know what's best for you and you can get it done with faith, confidence, and being a good person. Give to the community, have a positive impact, and always believe that God has a purpose for you better than anyone could ever imagine including yourself."

Vincent Gambelunghe
Instagram @vinnyg_4
Twitter/X @vinnyg_1

Contact Tyreese Smith
Instagram @reese1ne
Twitter/X @reesejawn

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Location: Harrisburg, PA, USA

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