Bobcats name Vincent head coach

The 44-year old Vincent — a former Dallas Mavericks assistant — will succeed Bernie Bickerstaff, who coached the Bobcats in their first three seasons and remains the club’s general manager.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Sam into our organization as our next head coach," Bobcats owner Bob Johnson said. "He is one of the top, young coaching prospects in the NBA and we feel he is the perfect complement for our team."

Most of Vincent’s coaching experience is on the international front. He got his start in coaching in South Africa, overseeing a pro team in Cape Town. Vincent has also coached teams in Greece and the Netherlands, but is best known for piloting the Nigerian national men’s team to a stunning upset over world power Serbia & Montenegro at the 2006 FIBA World Championships.

Vincent has only been an NBA assistant for one season, but did coach the Fort Worth Flyers in the NBA’s developmental league to the championship round before his stint in Dallas.

"We are very happy for Sam," NBA commissioner David Stern said. "His background as an NBA player and assistant coach, his experience as a coach in international competition and his success as a head coach in the NBA Development League will serve him well as he becomes the first D-Leaguer to become a head coach in the NBA."

A former point guard, Vincent played seven NBA seasons and was a teammate of Bobcats’ managing partner Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls. He also played for Bickerstaff with the Seattle SuperSonics.

"I was fortunate to play for some great coaches and with some legendary players during my NBA career," said Vincent. "K.C. Jones and Phil Jackson each made an immediate impact on my career, as did Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to use the knowledge they have passed on to me and continue with the momentum that Bernie Bickerstaff and this organization have established over the first three seasons here in Charlotte."