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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Ipinuwesto si assistant coach Mark Daigneault bilang bagong head coach ng Oklahoma City Thunder nung Miyerkules, pinalitan niya si Billy Donovan na ngayon ay head coach na ng Chicago Bulls.
Si Daigneault ay dating tinimon ang Thunder’s G League team sa loob ng limang taon. Meron siyang .572 winning percentage, nanalo ng tatlong division titles at sumampa sa apat na playoff apperances.
“We are thrilled to have Mark assume the role of head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder,” pahayag ni Thunder general manager Sam Presti sa isang statement. “He has been a selfless and effective leader within our organization since his arrival.”
Nakikita ni Presti na ang kabataan ni Daigneault ang magiging lakas ng OKC.
“The amount of head coaching experience and diverse experiences through his tenure with the Blue is rare for someone his age,” sabi ni Presti. “He has also shown the ability to empower both the players and staff he works with, and we are confident that he will help us continue to modernize our approach as an organization in a constantly evolving industry.”
Malaking asignatura ang gagampanan ni Daigneault sa Oklahoma City base sa pruweba ni Donovan na limang beses naipasok sa playoffs ang Thunder, naging finalist sa pagiging NBA Coach of the Year sa kanyang nakaraang season at sa nakalipas na performance ng team na nakipagbagkan laban sa Houston Rockets na umabot sa seven games ng first round playoffs.
Medyo lumabo ang sitwasyon ni Daigneault na magampanan ang inaasahan sa kanya ng OKC dahil sa inaasahang paglipat ng All-Star point guard Chris Paul na tiyak na magpapa-trade sa upcoming season.
Pero ganun pa man, meron siyang ilang ‘promising young’ na puwede niyang pakinabangan.
“The opportunity to be the head coach of the Thunder is truly a special honor,” pahayag ni Daigneault. “Over my six years in Oklahoma City I’ve developed a deep commitment to the organization and a care for what is truly a special community that I call home.”
