Pro Basketball
Berry Joins the Wizards As an Assistant Coach
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The Washington Wizards announced yesterday that the team has added Bill Berry as an assistant coach. Berry, who spent the last two seasons as an advance scout for the Wizards, joins Mike O'Koren , Phil Hubbard , Tom Young and Wes Unseld Jr. on Coach Eddie Jordan 's staff.
Berry has previous assistant coaching experience with the Chicago Bulls (1999-2003), Houston Rockets (1991-99) and Sacramento Kings (1989-91) and was on the bench as an assistant under Rudy Tomjanovich when the Rockets won NBA titles in 1994 and 1995.
Berry also was the top assistant under Jud Heathcote at Michigan State when the Magic Johnson -led Spartans won the 1979 NCAA championship.
In the offseason, Wizards owner Abe Pollin and President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld encouraged Jordan to consider adding an assistant coach with a strong defensive background. Jordan interviewed a handful of candidates and chose Berry, citing his championship background and depth of experience.
"Bill has extensive knowledge of the game of basketball," Jordan said. "[He] has had the opportunity to work with some outstanding players and coaches during his career. We are confident that he will be an excellent addition to our coaching staff."
The Wizards open training camp Oct. 3 in Richmond and begin an eight-game preseason schedule Oct. 9 at Verizon Center against the Toronto Raptors. The regular season opener is Nov. 1 at Cleveland; the regular season home opener is Nov. 4 against the Boston Celtics.
-- Ivan Carter
