Aug 17, 2007, 1:45 GMT
Memphis, TN - The Memphis Grizzlies named former Memphis State and UCLA coach Gene Bartow as President of Hoops LP, which operates the Memphis Grizzlies and FedExForum.
'I am pleased to announce the expansion of Gene's role with the Grizzlies which allows him to be more involved in all areas of the organization,' Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley said. 'We feel he is a perfect fit for the Grizzlies and the City of Memphis. Over the past seven years Gene has expanded his involvement with the Grizzlies to enhance the team's relationship with the community. His contacts with all fans in Memphis and the surrounding region made him an obvious choice.'
Bartow was the NCAA national coach of the year in 1973 after leading Memphis State to the NCAA finals against UCLA and had been serving as a special advisor for the Grizzlies since the team came to Memphis in 2001.
He amassed 647 wins in 34 years of collegiate coaching. His teams at Memphis State, UCLA and the University of Alabama at Birmingham combined to reach a pair of NCAA Final Fours, three regional finals, twelve appearances in the NCAA tournament, and nine appearances in the NIT tournament, including two NIT Final Fours.
'I am pleased with the confidence shown in me by Mike Heisley and excited about the opportunity,' Bartow said. 'I am optimistic about facing the challenge with General Manager Chris Wallace, Head Coach Marc Iavaroni and President of Business Operations Andy Dolich. When Mark and Chris were appointed I felt that Grizzlies fans were in for some exciting times. I have watched what they have already done since joining us, which has only increased my optimism about the future. I am honored by the opportunity Michael Heisley has given me to serve the organization.'
© 2007 The Sports Network
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