1995 NBA Coach of the Year Returns to Sideline
(Frisco) 1995 NBA Coach of the Year. NAIA Hall-of-Famer. Indiana Basketball Hall-of-Famer. Over 500 NBA wins in just 12 full seasons as head coach. Coached two World Championships, one Olympics, and other major FIBA tournaments with five different international teams, always finishing in the medal round with a gold and two bronze medals. In addition, his Bayamon Puerto Rico Championship Club team won bronze and silver medals in the World Club Championships.
The Texas Legends announced today the hiring of Del Harris—the most decorated coach in NBA D-League history. Harris, who was the team’s General Manager in its inaugural 2010-11 season, will maintain his General Manager role.
“It is with great pride that I am able to introduce to Legends Nation a true basketball legend as our head coach,” Legends co-owner Donnie Nelson commented. “Delis one of the most accomplished coaches in the history of basketball – and to be able to have him as the head coach of the Legends is a great privilege.”
Harris takes over the head coaching responsibility from inaugural season head coach Nancy Lieberman, who was promoted to Assistant General Manager in July. The Legends qualified for the NBA D-League playoffs in their inaugural season, and also were the champions of the “Texas Cup” – taking home the prize over the Austin Toros, and Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
“Donnie caught me at the right time,” Harris commented. “I had just come back from a really exciting time coaching the Dominican Republic National team with John Calipari and his staff. We developed a group who had never won a medal in major FIBA event into a quality team and they were able to win the bronze in difficult circumstances. I look forward to helping others who come through our program as players and coaches.”
Harris has assisted in the development of such notable NBA players as Moses Malone, Eddie Jones, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Yao Ming, and Derrick Rose among others.
“Del’s ability to develop our players is going to be second-to-none,” Legends co-owner Evan Wyly said. “His basketball acumen will be a tremendous asset not only in terms of winning games, but also in giving our players the best opportunity for an NBA call-up. WithDel, Spud, andNancyin our front office, our players have a lot of resources at their disposal.”
President of Basketball Operations Spud Webb rounds out the front office of the Legends, comprising the most dynamic front office in the NBA D-League.
“Donnie and his great business staff have developed the Legends into what we think is the best NBA D-League operation,” Harris added. “Frisco should be attractive to players who have a great desire to get into the NBA.”
The Legends recently announced that all center courtside seats for the 2011-12 season have been sold. Only a handful of premium seats remain, and performance opportunities such as halftime acts and national anthem choirs have also become very limited. Call 1-214-469-0822 or email info@TexLegends.com to inquire about season tickets and performance opportunities.
TEXAS LEGENDS: CALL 1-214-469-0822 TODAY FOR TICKETS
Submitted by Denise Stokes, Communications Manager, Frisco Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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