BISMARCK, N.D, May 25, 2006 – Dave Joerger was named head coach of the NBA Development League Dakota Wizards today. Joerger returns to Bismarck, where he guided the Wizards to four regular season championships between 2000 and 2004.

“Once the opportunity was there to bring Coach Joerger back to the Wizards it was a no brainer on our part. We are very excited to be able to get him back in Bismarck and on the Wizards bench,” said Dakota Owner Steve McCormick.

Joerger spent the last two seasons as head coach of the Sioux Falls Skyforce, compiling a 61-35 record and winning a fourth CBA title in 2004-05, moving past current Lakers head coach and North Dakota native Phil Jackson and Detroit Pistons head coach Flip Saunders for the most CBA championships. Joerger, 199-100 in his coaching career, has only lost one playoff series as a professional head coach.

“I came back for a lot of reasons, but mainly the Wizards family. It’s all about family,” said Joerger. “From the McCormicks (owners) to the front office, and especially the fans that were so great to me when I was here before, made my decision to return so much easier.”

Dave Joerger Career Checklist

HIGHLIGHTS

· 4 Championships in the last 6 years
· As many minor league championships as Phil Jackson, Flip Saunders, George Karl and Eric Musselman – COMBINED.

Record: Overall record: 199-100 (.665)
Home: 126-25 (.834)
Postseason: 24-11 (.688) *Has lost only one playoff series as head coach

Head Coaching Experience:
2004-2006 Sioux Falls Skyforce
Regular season record 61-35, home record 40-8, playoff record 8-4
· CBA Champions, 3rd CBA Championship in 4 years, 4th Championship in 5 years
· Nine NBA call ups

DAKOTA WIZARDS:
2003-2004 Season 34-14
· CBA Champions, Coach of the Year, Regular season champs, Seven NBA callups
· CBA National Conference All Star Coach, winning 107-105

2002-2003 Season: 31-14
· Regular season champs, lost in Conference championship series
· CBA National Conference All Star Coach, winning 140-125
· Had the CBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, 4 All-Stars and 1 All-Rookie Team member

2001-2002 Season: 26-14
· CBA Champions, Coach of the Year, regular season champs
· Had the CBA MVP, 3 All-Defensive Team players, 2 All-Rookie team members, the Newcomer of the Year, and 2 first team all-league players
· Youngest coach in CBA history (56 years) to win a CBA Championship

2000-2001 Season: 30-10
· IBA Champions, Coach of the Year, regular season champs.