After punching a ticket to the Olympics’ men’s basketball competition in Tokyo, Japan set in July, the Nigerian national team, D’Tigers are tapping the services of Golden State Warriors associate head coach Mike Brown to lead the charge.
The 49-year-old bench boss has been chosen to assume the reins for D’Tigers due to his impressive resume and vast NBA experience.
“I’m honored and humbled that Musa Kida and the Nigerian Basketball Federation have given me this opportunity,” Brown said in the report. “The Nigerian Basketball Federation has been very professional and organized throughout the vetting process.”
“They want to continue to build a world-class team and organization on and off the court. I’m excited to have learned that the Federation’s vision is to provide the team with the necessary resources to compete at the highest level. Their commitment will enable the players and coaches to focus our energy on competing at the highest possible level every time we step on the basketball court. We want to make all of Nigeria proud.”
Mike Brown has been around the association since 1997, working as an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs, and Indiana Pacers. He got his big break eight years later, serving as the head coach for the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005-2010.
Brown also coached the Los Angeles Lakers for one season in 2011-12 and had a second stint with the Cavs in 2013-14.
Moreover, Brown said that the Nigerian Federation leadership team assured him that they will put the team in the best possible position to succeed in Tokyo.
He will handle a team bannered by NBA players Al-Farouq Aminu of the Orlando Magic and Josh Okogie of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Brown plans to hire a full coaching staff, including player development personnel, video personnel, scouts and medical personnel for the Nigerian national team. The Warriors have given Brown their blessing and will allow Nigeria to use its newly renovated East Bay practice facility in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Brown could also potentially add one NBA player to the roster who would be granted a Nigerian passport.
