D-Fenders Announce Coaching Staff

Published on October 23, 2014 under NBA G League (G League)
Los Angeles D-Fenders News Release


EL SEGUNDO - The Los Angeles D-Fenders have hired Gene Cross, Jordan Brady and Jermaine Byrd as assistant coaches and have promoted Will Scott to video coordinator/special assistant coach, it was announced today by team President/CEO Joey Buss and General Manager Nick Mazzella.

"I am excited to get a chance to work with Gene, Jordan, Jermaine and Will," said D-Fenders head coach Phil Hubbard. "Gene brings a wealth of experience to the organization, with 20 years at the collegiate and professional levels. Jordan is a proven coach that our players will love working with. He adds a combination of D-League playing and coaching experience, including a stint playing with the D-Fenders. Jermaine has a unique knowledge of the game, with experience collegiately, with Team USA and professionally. Will has worked tirelessly for this organization and I'm pleased to be working with him again."

Cross joins the D-Fenders after serving as the head coach of the Erie BayHawks for two seasons. The BayHawks posted a 26-24 record with two GATORADE NBA Call-Ups in his first season. Cross developed 10 assignment players in his two seasons with the BayHawks. Prior to joining the BayHawks, Cross was an assistant coach with the Iowa Energy. He helped the Energy clinch a playoff spot and was named an assistant coach on the NBA Development League East All-Star team. Cross first made the jump to the professional ranks as an assistant coach for the Utah Flash in 2010 where he developed one GATORADE NBA Call-Up and helped the Flash reach the playoffs and tie a franchise record with nine wins in a row. Cross coached collegiately for 15 seasons with stints at UIC, DePaul, Virginia, Notre Dame and Toledo. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Cross played collegiately at the University of Illinois.

Brady joins the D-Fenders after spending last season as an assistant coach with the Bakersfield Jam and the previous season as an assistant with the Iowa Energy. Prior to his role with the Energy, Brady played professionally for three years in the NBA Development League, including stints with the Utah Flash, Los Angeles D-Fenders and Idaho Stampede. He also has experience oversees, playing on the China Hoops Tour and the Estonia Professional Tour. Brady played collegiately at Utah Valley University.

Byrd hails from Houston, Texas and joins the D-Fenders after one season as an assistant coach with the Sioux Falls Sky Force. Byrd worked his way up with the Tulsa 66ers before joining the Sky Force. He served as an assistant coach for the 66ers during the 2011-12 season and was the team's video coordinator the two seasons prior. In 2011, Byrd served as an assistant coach on the USA Men's Basketball team during the Pan American Games, helping the team to a bronze medal. Byrd played collegiately at the University of Sioux Falls and led the team to its first NAIA Final Four appearance in school history.

Scott begins his fourth season with the D-Fenders and will continue in his role as video coordinator, while also serving as a special assistant coach. Scott's primary responsibilities include video editing, scouting upcoming opponents and assisting in on-court player development. While on campus at Indiana University, Scott worked as a student manager and acted as an assistant to the coaching staff. His duties included video editing, supporting practice drills and aiding with in-game operations.

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