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G League Texas Legends

Legends Add Two Former Mavericks, Former Legend to Coaches' Bench

November 11, 2014 - NBA G League (G League)
Texas Legends News Release


FRISCO, TX, (Nov. 11, 2014) - The Texas Legends have announced three new additions to the coaching staff. Eduardo Najera will be returning for his third season as Head Coach and General Manager and bringing back assistant coaches Tyler Gatlin and Brandon Espinosa. Pending league approval, former Maverick Nick Van Exel will make his NBA Development League debut as associate head coach, while former Maverick DeSagana Diop and former Legend Fred House will join the staff as Player Development coaches.

Nick Van Exel spent 13 years in the NBA as a player. He was drafted in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers where he spent five seasons and was named an NBA All-Star. Van Exel then played for the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks (alongside Legends head coach Najera), Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs. He retired from the NBA in 2006 and later spent two years in player development with the Atlanta Hawks before joining the Milwaukee Bucks as an assistant coach last season.

DeSagana Diop retired from the NBA in 2013 after 12 years of service. Diop was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2001 where he spent four seasons before joining the Mavericks. Diop was known around the league for his shot-blocking ability and brings a unique perspective to the coaches' bench as a former post player. Diop will work with the post players to develop agility under the basket and provide guidance from a long NBA career.

Fred House retired from basketball after a 12 year career to join the Legends coaching staff. House was a fan-favorite on the team as a critical sixth man in 2012-13 under Najera and spent last season in Russia with KB Peja of the Balkan League. House's experience in the NBADL provides a unique perspective to the players and gives him the ability to connect on a peer level.

The Legends will open their season at Dr Pepper Arena hosting the Santa Cruz Warriors at 7pm Friday, November 21.

Legends Basketball Operations Staff

President of Basketball Operations: Spud Webb

Vice President: Del Harris

Head Coach/General Manager: Eduardo Najera

Assistant General Manager: Nancy Lieberman

Assistant General Manager: Travis Blakeley

Associate Head Coach: Nick Van Exel

Assistant Coach: Tyler Gatlin

Assistant Coach: Brandon Espinosa

Player Development: DeSagana Diop

Player Development: Fred House

Executive Advisor: Marques Haynes

Director of Scouting and Analytics: Matt Morales

Basketball Operations Manager: Byron Bogar

President: Malcolm Farmer

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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