Former Chicago Bulls Assistant Erik Helland has joined the Wisconsin Badgers basketball program as the team’s strength and conditioning coach. Helland served on the Chicago Bulls strength and conditioning staff since 1988 and the head strength coach since 2001.
Helland’s tenure with the Bulls included six NBA championships, including a pair of three-peats, and an NBA record 72 regular-season wins in 1995-96. Helland also oversaw the strength and physical development of Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame honorees Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and Robert Parish.
Helland was instrumental in the growth and dominance of the youngest MVP in NBA history, Derrick Rose, who was honored with the award in 2011. Hellend is also credited in the development of 2013 NBA All-Stars Luol Deng and Joakim Noah as well as past Bulls greats Horace Grant, John Paxson, Steve Kerr, B.J. Armstrong and Toni Kuko?.
Prior to his stint with the Bulls, Helland coached at Elk Mound (Wis.) High School and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
“Erik has been an integral part of our organization for a long time. I hate to lose him but I understand why this is such a unique and special opportunity for him and his family. He is far more than just a great strength and conditioning coach. He embodies what winning is all about. He is a terrific leader, teacher and communicator. He will help each individual player develop and reach their maximum potential. He will be a perfect fit for Wisconsin Basketball.”
– Tom Thibodeau
Head Coach, Chicago Bulls
“Eric has distinguished himself as one of the top strength and conditioning coaches in the field. He has done an incredible job for our franchise and was well respected by our players. Not only was he successful in developing our players, but he also impacted many young strength coaches who have gone on to have successful careers.”
– Gar Forman
General Manager, Chicago Bulls
“Erik is one of the best in the business. He was an integral part of the Bulls championship runs and was really loved and respected by the players for all the hard work he put in and the improvement we all saw under his guidance.”
– Steve Kerr
Five-Time NBA Champion with the Chicago Bulls, TNT Analyst
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