Isiah To FIU
Isiah Thomas accepts FIU basketball coach job
FIU hired former NBA All-Star Isiah Thomas to be its men's head basketball coach Tuesday morning.
Thomas signed a five-year contract to take over as the Golden Panthers coach. Thomas replaces Sergio Rouco, who was reassigned within the athletic department Monday.
''Coming back to the college game has always been a dream of mine,'' Thomas said. ``I didn't want to pass up an opportunity to go somewhere where we can build a basketball legacy together. A lot of people don't know that FIU is one of the 25 largest universities in the country with a tremendously strong alumni community standing behind.''
Thomas last coached the New York Knicks during the 2007-08 season when he went 23-59 and was fired. Previously, Thomas coached the Indiana Pacers and led them to three consecutive playoff appearances.
Thomas compiled a 187-223 career record as an NBA coach. He will meet with the media at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Thomas inherits an FIU basketball program that last had a winning record in 1999-2000 at 16-14. The Panthers made one NCAA Tournament appearance in 1995 and lost in the first round to UCLA.
FIU's home arena, U.S. Century Bank Arena, will also undergo a $5 million renovation with the help of the capital improvements trust fund.
At last it's over.
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