Raptors name Keady assistant coach

The 69-year-old Keady, who spent 25 years as Purdue’s head coach, retired in March after compiling a 512-270 record. At the time, Keady claimed he was done with coaching, but ultimately decided he could not pass up the challenge of working with an NBA team.

His experience and wealth of knowledge should immediately come in handy because the Raptors are 3-17 and have the second-worst record in the league.

"I’m excited and honored to have Gene join our coaching staff," said Raptors head coach Sam Mitchell. "He is a legend in our profession and a welcomed addition. His experience and ability to teach young players will be invaluable to our team."

Toronto is expected to have Keady on the bench for Saturday’s game in Charlotte.

Keady, a six-time National Coach of the Year at Purdue, reached the postseason 22 times, including 17 NCAA Tournament appearances. The Larned, Kansas native also won six Big Ten championships and was named the conference’s coach of the year seven times.

The Boilermakers’ best performances in the NCAA Tournament came in 1994 and 2000 with a pair of appearances in the Elite Eight. Purdue also advanced to the Sweet 16 in 1988, 1998 and 1999.