G League Texas Legends

Legends Announce 2013-14 Coaching Staff

Published on November 5, 2013 under NBA G League (G League)
Texas Legends News Release


FRISCO, TX, (Nov. 5, 2013) - The Texas Legends (presented by Veracruz [visit Veracrux.mx]) have announced four new members of the coaching staff. Eduardo Najera will be returning for his second season as Head Coach and bringing back assistant coach Tyler Gatlin and Director of Player Development Travis Blakeley. Four new assistant coaches will also be joining the bench pending league approval-Dean Murray, Charlie Parker, Hollis Price and Brandon Espinosa. Najera will also be adding the title of General Manager as he assumes the responsibilities previously held by Del Harris. Harris has been promoted to Vice President of the franchise.

Dean Murray has been coaching for 24 years. Murray began his career as an assistant coach in NCAA Division I before joining the NBA Development League in 2001. For the past 13 seasons Murray has split time between the Development League and overseas leagues such as the Korean Basketball League and BJ League Japan. Murray's experience with the NBA Development League provides the Legends with a unique perspective on players and teams across the league, as well as an international viewpoint.

Charlie Parker has coached professional basketball for 17 years both overseas and in the NBA, including as an assistant coach with the Legends' NBA affiliate Dallas Mavericks. Prior to that, he was the Head Coach of Wayne State University and University of Southern California. Parker's diverse background will provide a depth to the coaching staff that will enable players to develop both from an individual standpoint as well as from a team perspective. Parker's NBA experience will be invaluable to players as they pursue their NBA dreams.

Hollis Price recently hung up his playing shoes to begin his coaching career. Price played at the University of Oklahoma, where he was Big 12 Player of the Year in 2003, before pursuing his professional career for nine years. Price played overseas in France, Germany, Spain, Lithuania, Russia and Italy winning numerous awards and serving as a product endorser for brands such as 1 Apparel and Vilnius. Price launches his coaching career alongside fellow University of Oklahoma alum Eduardo Najera as they look to replicate the success each enjoyed as a player under former Oklahoma coach Kelvin Sampson.

Brandon Espinosa comes to the Legends from Dallas Christian College where he played guard from 2007-2011 and began his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 2011. Espinosa has worked with players of all ages. Espinosa will provide support to Legends' players in all areas - both on and off the basketball court.

Tyler Gatlin returns to the bench for his second year of coaching and third year on the Legends' staff. Gatlin was promoted from the scouting staff to the coaching staff last season and utilized his knowledge of the league and devout study of the game to strengthen the bench. Gatlin also assists with team travel, practice schedules, and other logistical areas.

Travis Blakeley joined the team in its inaugural season and has since moved up to the role of Director of Player Development. Blakeley brings an energy and dedication to the team that takes each practice to a new level, and helped Najera establish a franchise record with four call-ups to the NBA (Chris Douglas-Roberts, Mike James, Justin Dentmon, and Dwayne Jones) during the 2012-13 season.

The Legends will open their season on Veracruz Court at Dr Pepper Arena hosting the Fort Wayne Mad Ants at 7pm Friday, November 22.

Legends Basketball Operations Staff

President of Basketball Operations: Spud Webb

Vice President: Del Harris

Sr. VP/Director of Basketball Operations: Malcolm Farmer

Head Coach/General Manager: Eduardo Najera

Assistant General Manager: Nancy Lieberman

Assistant Coach: Brandon Espinosa

Assistant Coach: Hollis Price

Assistant Coach: Dean Murray

Assistant Coach: Charlie Parker

Assistant Coach: Tyler Gatlin

Director of Player Development: Travis Blakeley

Executive Advisor: Marques Haynes

Scout: Matt Morales

Scout: Byron Bogar

Scout: Rafael Barlowe

Check out the Texas Legends Statistics

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