New head coach of Great Britain’s men’s basketball team Joe Prunty is eager to hit the ground running with the focus very much on the 2013 EuroBasket.
Prunty was named as Chris Finch’s successor on Wednesday, bringing a wealth of experience from the NBA to the role having been working in America since 1996.
Across the pond Prunty worked with the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers and most recently the Cleveland Cavaliers where he was assistant coach.
While he was with the Trail Blazers they had back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time in ten years, as well as their first play-off appearance in five, and with the Mavericks they had the best record in the NBA during that three-year span.
Prunty was also part of three NBA Championships during his nine seasons with the Spurs but is now turning his attentions to the Rio 2016 Olympics with Great Britain.
“It is truly an honour to be appointed as head coach of the Great Britain men's national team. Every person I have spoken with has shown tremendous passion and enthusiasm for the programme,” he said.
“This is an important time for GB Basketball and the opportunity for all of us is extremely exciting heading into EuroBasket 2013.
“I am grateful to all the people involved who have entrusted me with this position. I am looking forward to working with the players, coaches, and staff members who comprise the GB family.”
Meanwhile the Great Britain men’s team will return to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park when they take on Puerto Rico at the Copper Box on August 11.
The clash will form part of the team’s EuroBasket preparations and will officially be part of the re-opening of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
© Sportsbeat 2013