Los Angeles D-Fenders name Coby Karl as head-coach
The official statement from D-Fenders
The Los Angeles D-Fenders have named Coby Karl as head coach, it was announced today by team President/CEO Joey Buss and General Manager Nick Mazzella. Karl will replace Casey Owens, who takes over as an assistant coach and advance scout on the Los Angeles Lakers staff.
Karl returns to the D-Fenders organization after appearing in 17 games for the team during the 2007-08 season while on assignment from the Lakers. On February 19, 2008, Karl became the second player in NBA Development League history to play in an NBADL and NBA game in the same day, following former Lakers guard Jordan Farmar. As a player, Karl saw action with the Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors of the NBA, as well as with the D-Fenders, Reno Bighorns, and Idaho Stampede of the NBADL. He most recently served as an assistant coach on the Westchester Knicks staff during the 2015-16 season at the conclusion of his playing career.
“We are excited to welcome Coby back to the D-Fenders family as our new head coach,” Buss said. “His extensive experience as both a player and coach in this league is something we’re very happy to bring to the organization as we look to build on a season of success.”
“It is an honor to be back with the Lakers organization, the team that gave me my first job and allowed me to realize my dream of playing in the NBA,” Karl said. “My goal going forward will be to foster an environment and culture that permits our players and staff to fulfill their dreams. Our pursuit will focus on excellence, both as individuals and as members of the Los Angeles D-Fenders organization.”
Karl, the son of NBA veteran coach George Karl, began his coaching career by spending last season as an assistant coach with the Westchester Knicks. While in the Empire State, he helped the Knicks earn their first playoff berth in franchise history as Westchester improved from 10-40 in 2014-15 to 28-22 during the 2015-16 campaign.
Along with his domestic experience, Karl also knows the international game, having played professionally in Spain, Italy, and Germany.
“Influenced by some of the game’s all-time great coaches and having played in the NBA, the NBA D-League, and professionally overseas, Coby has a unique mind for the game and can relate to players trying to take that next step to the NBA,” Mazzella said. “We feel Coby has a bright future in coaching, and are confident in his ability to create a positive culture while developing players in a winning environment.”
A native of Great Falls, Montana, Karl attended Homestead High School in Mequon, Wisconsin, before graduating from Boise State University with a B.A. in Communications. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard led the Broncos in points (17.2) and assists (4.0) as a junior, and he averaged 14.8 points and 4.0 assists during his senior season en route to First Team All-WAC honors in 2007.
Undrafted in 2007, Karl was invited to participate in training camp with the Lakers, making the Opening Day 15-man roster as a free agent. Karl would go on to play professionally for eight seasons before retiring in 2015.
Karl returns to the D-Fenders organization after appearing in 17 games for the team during the 2007-08 season while on assignment from the Lakers. On February 19, 2008, Karl became the second player in NBA Development League history to play in an NBADL and NBA game in the same day, following former Lakers guard Jordan Farmar. As a player, Karl saw action with the Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors of the NBA, as well as with the D-Fenders, Reno Bighorns, and Idaho Stampede of the NBADL. He most recently served as an assistant coach on the Westchester Knicks staff during the 2015-16 season at the conclusion of his playing career.
“We are excited to welcome Coby back to the D-Fenders family as our new head coach,” Buss said. “His extensive experience as both a player and coach in this league is something we’re very happy to bring to the organization as we look to build on a season of success.”
“It is an honor to be back with the Lakers organization, the team that gave me my first job and allowed me to realize my dream of playing in the NBA,” Karl said. “My goal going forward will be to foster an environment and culture that permits our players and staff to fulfill their dreams. Our pursuit will focus on excellence, both as individuals and as members of the Los Angeles D-Fenders organization.”
Karl, the son of NBA veteran coach George Karl, began his coaching career by spending last season as an assistant coach with the Westchester Knicks. While in the Empire State, he helped the Knicks earn their first playoff berth in franchise history as Westchester improved from 10-40 in 2014-15 to 28-22 during the 2015-16 campaign.
Along with his domestic experience, Karl also knows the international game, having played professionally in Spain, Italy, and Germany.
“Influenced by some of the game’s all-time great coaches and having played in the NBA, the NBA D-League, and professionally overseas, Coby has a unique mind for the game and can relate to players trying to take that next step to the NBA,” Mazzella said. “We feel Coby has a bright future in coaching, and are confident in his ability to create a positive culture while developing players in a winning environment.”
A native of Great Falls, Montana, Karl attended Homestead High School in Mequon, Wisconsin, before graduating from Boise State University with a B.A. in Communications. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard led the Broncos in points (17.2) and assists (4.0) as a junior, and he averaged 14.8 points and 4.0 assists during his senior season en route to First Team All-WAC honors in 2007.
Undrafted in 2007, Karl was invited to participate in training camp with the Lakers, making the Opening Day 15-man roster as a free agent. Karl would go on to play professionally for eight seasons before retiring in 2015.
O. Cauchi
@paxer89
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