Tokyo 2020: Mike Brown of Golden Warriors named D’Tigers coach

Mike Brown, Golden State Warriors associate head coach, has been assigned to take charge of Nigeria’s D’Tigers for the 2020 Olympics.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) announced Brown’s appointment on their official Twitter handle on Wednesday.

Golden State Warriors assistant Mike Brown has been named the head coach of the D’Tigers for the 2020 Olympics.

Welcome aboard Coach Brown! pic.twitter.com/bqYQjhiamg

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— D’Tigers | Nigeria Basketball (@NigeriaBasket) February 4, 2020

Brown, former Los Angeles Lakers (2011-12) and Cleveland Cavaliers (2005-2010, 2013-14) coach, has been chosen to assume the reins for D’Tigers due to his impressive résumé and vast NBA experience.

The 49-year-old had coached late Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Kevin Durant Steve Kerr, Tony Parker and Kyrie Irving.

“I’m honored and humbled that Musa Kida and the Nigerian Basketball Federation have given me this opportunity,” Brown told ESPN.

“The Nigerian Basketball Federation has been very professional and organized throughout the vetting process.

“They want to continue to build a world-class team and organization on and off the court. I’m excited to have learned that the Federation’s vision is to provide the team with the necessary resources to compete at the highest level.

“Their commitment will enable the players and coaches to focus our energy on competing at the highest possible level every time we step on the basketball court. We want to make all of Nigeria proud.”

In his fourth season with Golden State Warriors, the team has won two NBA championships and advanced to the NBA Finals three times during his time with the franchise.

Brown also once led the Warriors to a 11-0 record during the 2016-17 NBA playoffs while head coach Steve Kerr was absent for health reasons.

Brown has a career NBA head-coaching record of 347-216 over eight seasons.

He has been around the association since 1997, working as an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers.

The former University of San Diego guard ranks eighth in NBA history among coaches in win percentage — with over 500 games coached at .616.

Brown has previous basketball experience on the international level. He served as an assistant coach to Mark Few on the United States’ bronze-medal-winning team at the 2015 Pan American Games.

He was also a scout for USA Basketball’s 2019 World Cup team.