Jim Harrick announced as head coach of the Bakersfield Jam
June 13, 2006 - NBA G League (G League)
Bakersfield Jam News Release
Bakersfield, CA, June 13, 2006 - Jim Harrick, former UCLA head coach who led the Bruins to a storied national championship in 1995, has been named head coach of the Bakersfield Jam; it was announced today by Team President/GM Lara Mae Divina.
"I am delighted to have Coach Harrick's caliber as Head Coach of our team. We are looking to win games this season and D-League championships just as he has led many teams to success in the past," said Divina. "I believe Bakersfield will immediately take a liking to him -- he is personable and excited to work in this community."
The Jam is Harrick's first stop as a head coach in professional basketball. In his previous posts, Harrick served for over 20 years as a college head coach. In each of his four posts, including Pepperdine, UCLA, Rhode Island and Georgia, Harrick built outstanding teams. He won conference championships in the Pac 10, Atlantic 10 and West Coast Conferences. In 1995, his UCLA Bruin squad racked up 31 wins and captured the national championship, an enormous feat given the sky-high expectations of that storied program's following.
Harrick has placed an impressive list of players in the NBA. That group includes, from UCLA, Ed O'Bannon and Tyus Edney. Other former Harrick players in the NBA include Lamar Odom, Keith Owens, Jeremy "Pooh" Richardson, Mitchell Butler, Trevor Wilson and Darrick Martin. In addition to his players, 11 of his assistants have advanced to head coaching positions at various NCAA and other college institutions
"I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to coach the Bakersfield Jam," said Harrick. "I am looking forward to working with Lara Mae and the entire Bakersfield Jam organization as we prepare to make the inaugural season exciting and enjoyable for all."
The grandson of Lebanese immigrants and a native of Charleston, W. Va., Harrick earned his bachelor's degree from Morris Harvey (now University of Charleston) in 1960. He earned his graduate degree from Southern California in 1966.
The D-League continues to develop talent from across all disciplines for the NBA's 30 teams and the entire NBA umbrella. In addition to the assignment of 29 players to D-League affiliates, there were also 18 GATORADE Call-Ups from the D-League to the NBA last season. Additionally, every referee hired by the NBA since 2002 has worked in the D-League, while coaches, athletic trainers and front office executives are also being developed.
Designed to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the D-League also offers fun, family entertainment at affordable prices. For additional information on the NBA Development League, visit NBADLEAGUE.com.
The Jam will play home games at Rabobank Arena. For tickets, call the Bakersfield Jam box office, at 661-716-4JAM (661-716-4526).
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