Seven-foot-two Filipino standout Kai Sotto said he is delighted to train and play under former Denver Nuggets head coach Brian Shaw.
A five-time National Basketball Association champion with nearly 30 years of experience as a player and coach, Shaw will be coming aboard to handle NBA G League Team for Elite Prospects, where Sotto will play.
“Much respect and excited to be led by Coach Shaw,” said Sotto in a twitter message.
The 18-year-old Sotto is currently scrimmaging in Atlanta, Georgia with his new teammates Jalen Green, Daishen Nix and Isaiah Todd, all 2021 NBA lottery prospects expected to be picked in the first round.
NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim made the announcement on Shaw in a statement shared by NBA Philippines.
“Brian’s extensive experience and success as an NBA player and coach make him a natural choice to lead the new NBA G League team,” said Abdur-Rahim.
The 54-year-old Shaw will help guide the four players, who are looking forward to starting professional careers at a young age.
Shaw’s team will be unaffiliated with any existing NBA G League franchise or NBA team.
“We look forward to watching these terrific young players develop their skills and grow as professionals under Brian’s leadership,” said Abdur-Rahim.
The 6’6” Shaw, a point guard, was the 24th overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the 1988 NBA draft.
He played for teams in the NBA from 1998 to 2003, and last saw action for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1999 to 2003.
Then, Shaw moved on to become the assistant head coach of the LA Lakers from 2004 to 2011.
“I’m excited to serve as head coach of the new NBA G League team,” said Shaw.
Before he went to the G League, he was an associate to LA Lakers head coach Frank Vogel.
Before that, Shaw served as head coach of the Denver Nuggets for two seasons from 2013-15.
He was also associate head coach with the Indiana Pacers for two seasons (2011-13) before moving again to the Los Angeles Lakers for three seasons (2016-19).
Shaw was a part of the coaching staff when the Lakers won NBA championships in 2009 and 2010 and the Pacers reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013.
“This is a new and different challenge in my career, and I’m ready to get to work mentoring, coaching and developing the next generation of NBA stars,” added Shaw.
As a player, Shaw had a successful 14-year NBA career that included stints with the Lakers, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers.
He won three consecutive NBA championships with the Lakers from 2000-02. Shaw also had a chance to play pro basketball during the the 1989-90 season in Italy.
Shaw has also helped the United States win the gold medal at the 1986 FIBA Basketball World Championship.