BISMARCK N.D., September 10, 2007 – The 2006-07 NBA Development League Champion Dakota Wizards announced today that Dean Martin has signed a contract and accepted the Wizards assistant coaching position, replacing Roy Rogers who left the team to take a position within the San Antonio Spurs organization.

Dean Martin NBAE

“When I first met Dean in Dallas, we just clicked,” said Wizards Head Coach Duane Ticknor. “After speaking with people around the league, his name was the first mentioned and I quickly understood why. He has a true passion for coaching, a great understanding of the game and will be a terrific addition to the organization.”

With nearly 20 years of coaching experience, Martin is a veteran in the college ranks, but has recently worked the NBA Development League Pre-draft Camp in Dallas and assisted the Milwaukee Bucks throughout the summer at their mini camps. Martin has also worked extensively with NBA scouting director Marty Blake and coached professionally in Sweden. A 1987 graduate of Central Missouri State, Martin has served as an assistant coach at Saint Louis University, University of Tennessee-Martin and University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

“I was very excited when I spoke with Coach Ticknor about this opportunity and I didn’t hesitate a bit,” said Martin from his home in Las Vegas. “My goal is to get to the NBA. I have heard from colleagues over the years that in terms of getting to the next level, the Wizards are the best organization to be a part of.”

During his stint as an assistant coach at SLU and UNLV, Martin had hands on action developing future NBA players such as Larry Hughes (1998 first round draft pick, now with the Cleveland Cavaliers), Marcus Banks (2003 first round draft pick, now with the Phoenix Suns) and former D-Leaguer Louis Amundson, who is currently with the Philadelphia 76ers.

“Dean will be an exciting addition to our coaching staff,” said Wizards General Manager Tom Wagganer. “This will be a great opportunity for him to learn from Coach Ticknor and help us put another championship caliber team on the court.”

In regards to Coach Rogers departure, Wagganer added “We are in the NBA Development League. When the Spurs approached us and asked to talk with Coach Rogers it was something that we were not going to say no to. The Spurs are obviously a tremendous organization to work for and he felt it was a great opportunity for him and his family, we wish him the best of luck in the future.”

Martin is currently traveling to NBA camps and scouting for the upcoming D-League season and will be in market in the first week of October.