Ime Udoka Makes HIistory As First Nigerian-American Head Coach In NBA
Ime Udoka formal Nigeria basket ball global has been named as the new coach of the Boston Celtics in the NBA.
The 43-year-old was recruited by the Celtics’ outgoing head coach Brad Stevens, who has been promoted to the team’s president of basketball operations to substitute Danny Ainge.
His appointment made him the first Nigerian-American to be named as the head coach of an NBA side.
“Among the many excellent features that Ime brings to the desk are his character, humility, and competitiveness,” Stevens stated on the Celtics website.
“He has a relentless work ethic and a substantial array of experiences as a player and coach.
“He’s a leader that is warm and demanding, and we are so excited that he has chosen to be part of us in pursuit of banner 18.”
Udoka’s appointment came after spending time as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs, the Philadelphia 76ers and most recently the Brooklyn Nets, all of whom reached the playoffs all through his time with them.
“It’s an honour to be a part of the historical Celtics franchise. Coaching this proficient roster and working alongside Brad [Stevens] makes it an perfect situation,” Udoka told the team’s website.
“I’d like to thank Wyc [Grousbeck, Celtics CEO] Steve [Pagliuca, co-owner], and Brad for entrusting me with this opportunity. I look ahead to getting started right away.
He represented Nigeria in global competition throughout his playing career, earning bronze medals in 2005 and 2011 at the African Championships.
In addition to his coaching experience in the NBA, Udoka was additionally an assistant coach for Gregg Popovich and the USA Basketball Men’s National Team in 2018.
Udoka played 12 years of expert basketball, along with seven seasons in the NBA from 2003-04 to 2010-11. He played 316 profession games with San Antonio, Portland, Sacramento, New York, and the Los Angeles Lakers.