NEWS CHANNEL
Published: 11/06/2010 12:49 -
Updated: 15/06/2010 17:29
Milton Keynes Lions have announced Mike New will be the club's new head coach.
New, a graduate of New Mexico State University will enter his sixth year and second spell with the Lions after playing in Milton Keynes during the 2002-03 Basketball season, then returning in 2006.
Lions' chief executive and now former head coach, Vince Macaulay is ecstatic about the extension of an association with someone whose influence extends far from the basketball court.
"Mike is a model professional" said Macaulay, "He only knows how to give 100% in whatever he does, as director of the MK College Lions Academy he has already won the British Elite Cup, as coach of our Under 16's National league side he has won the National Championship twice in the last three seasons"
New retired from playing this past season and was the immediate favourite to get the head coach's job once Macaulay had indicated he was stepping down.
Macaulay added: "Mike knows what we are about as a club, he buys into our systems and has helped in many areas of the club, it was he who knocked down the two free throws that clinched us the BBL Cup in 2008 so he is already a legend with many of our fans."
Lions chairman, Christine Thompson was also happy with the appointment, she said: "We had many applications for this post but as our club develops it's own identity we were very comfortable with Mike and his inside knowledge gave him an edge."
New, a graduate of New Mexico State University will enter his sixth year and second spell with the Lions after playing in Milton Keynes during the 2002-03 Basketball season, then returning in 2006.
Lions' chief executive and now former head coach, Vince Macaulay is ecstatic about the extension of an association with someone whose influence extends far from the basketball court.
"Mike is a model professional" said Macaulay, "He only knows how to give 100% in whatever he does, as director of the MK College Lions Academy he has already won the British Elite Cup, as coach of our Under 16's National league side he has won the National Championship twice in the last three seasons"
New retired from playing this past season and was the immediate favourite to get the head coach's job once Macaulay had indicated he was stepping down.
Macaulay added: "Mike knows what we are about as a club, he buys into our systems and has helped in many areas of the club, it was he who knocked down the two free throws that clinched us the BBL Cup in 2008 so he is already a legend with many of our fans."
Lions chairman, Christine Thompson was also happy with the appointment, she said: "We had many applications for this post but as our club develops it's own identity we were very comfortable with Mike and his inside knowledge gave him an edge."
