Pennsylvania native and NBA coach aims to inspire youth with new children’s book

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — As the NBA season begins, Golden State Warriors player development coach Noel Hightower is celebrating the release of his first children’s book, which he said he hopes will encourage young readers to value teamwork both on and off the court.

Hightower, who grew up in Easton and graduated from Easton Area High School, said his upbringing in the Lehigh Valley continues to shape who he is as a coach, mentor and now an author.

“The biggest thing is my family and my upbringing,” Hightower said. “My dad being an educator and my mom being an immigrant from the Dominican Republic — their parenting styles had a really big emphasis on accountability, discipline and respecting people. They always told me that it’s free to be nice.”

Hightower, one of six siblings, said growing up in a large and diverse household helped instill cooperation early on. He also credits the Lehigh Valley — a community he described as a “melting pot” influenced by both New York and Philadelphia — for exposing him to a wide range of cultures and perspectives.

After playing four seasons at Chestnut Hill College, where he served as a three-year team captain, Hightower began his coaching career at Lehigh University before joining the Warriors. Now, as a player development coach, he works closely with assigned athletes to support their growth.

“Right now, I have two players who are assigned to me, and I’m responsible for their individual development,” he said. “I help create development plans with our staff and Coach Steve Kerr, and I also contribute to game planning and data collection. It’s rewarding work.”

His new book, “Shame, Shame, Shame! We Could Have Won the Game,” blends his love of basketball and education. The story, centered on a teachers-versus-students basketball game, highlights sportsmanship and collaboration. Characters in the book are inspired by his siblings, and the coach character is modeled after his father, who coached Hightower throughout his youth.

“I wanted to write about what I know, and what I really know is basketball — and with basketball comes teamwork,” he said. “It was important to show my value of education, athletics, family and community all in one place.”

Hightower also continues to stay connected to his hometown. His Hightower Hoop Scholarship at Easton Area High School supports minority student-athletes pursuing college athletics, and he hopes to expand the program in coming years.

“Having the ability to give back and remain impactful to Easton, even while I’m far away, is something I really value,” he said.

He said he hopes the message of the book resonates, especially with children who are just beginning to understand what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.