Peck leaving Findlay Prep for NBA D-League

“Something that coach always preached is, ‘Don’t be ready. Be prepared,’ ” said Todd Simon, Peck’s longtime assistant.

So when Peck was hired Tuesday as head coach of the NBA D-League’s Idaho Stampede, naturally, the Pilots were prepared.

Findlay Prep quickly named Simon, Peck’s right-hand man as the Pilots became a national power, as the new coach. Simon said the Pilots already had the succession plan in place.

“We talked to the team and had an emotional get-together,” Simon said. “Everyone is united going forward. The program is bigger than all of us. It’s exciting we have players who embrace that.”

Peck said he interviewed for his new job Monday and had accepted the position roughly 12 hours later.

“I felt the timing was right,” Peck said. “I jumped at it. It was a little bit sad, having been there since day one and building something. I’ve been fortunate and blessed.”

Though Peck will coach the Stampede, he’s technically an employee of the team’s NBA affiliate, the Portland Trail Blazers. Peck said he will begin the season with the Blazers’ training camp before leaving for Boise, Idaho.

Findlay Prep’s players study, practice and play home games at Henderson International. The private school in the Anthem hills has become a favorite destination of college coaches on the recruiting trail.

Peck went 157-8 in five seasons as the Pilots’ coach. He led Findlay Prep to National High School Invitational titles in three of his final four seasons.

Peck coached several current NBA players while with the Pilots, including Celtics guard Avery Bradley, Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson and Spurs guard Cory Joseph.

Simon said Peck’s departure made for an emotional day.

“He’s probably my closest friend in the world and a mentor,” Simon said. “He’s as good a guy as you’ll find in this profession. It’s phenomenal for him.”

Simon takes over a team that already has four seniors committed to major colleges: forward Chris Wood (UNLV) and guards Nigel Williams-Goss (Washington), Allerik Freeman (UCLA) and Stanford Robinson (Indiana).

Simon said he learned an immense amount from Peck and doesn’t expect the workings of the program to change.

“The way he connected with players and reached players of different backgrounds is something I’ve admired about him, and that will carry with him,” Simon said.

Findlay Prep’s players took to Twitter on Tuesday to express their gratitude toward Peck.

“It’s been a great honor and privilege being coached by coach Peck. I just want to say thanks for everything coach and congrats,” Wood posted on Twitter.

Peck said he is excited for Simon.

“He’s ready. He has been for quite some time,” Peck said. “We built it together. He’s more than ready and prepared. It’ll be a seamless transition.”