This Wyoming County native was a star basketball player at Mullens High and Marshall University. He played in the NBA and ABA before playing and coaching in Italy. In an NBA, he became known for his fast-paced offense. He was head coach for the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Houston Rockets, and also served as an assistant and advised other teams.

His brother Dan, also from Mullens, played at Marshall and later coached there from 2014 to 2024. He led Marshall to its only NCAA Tournament win and now serves as a team advisor.

Their father, Lewis D’Antoni, was a successful high school coach with over 450 wins and was inducted into the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. The D’Antoni family credits their parents for their strong values and success.