September 21, 2009

EL SEGUNDO - The Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA D-League have hired Clarence “Chucky” Brown as head coach, it was announced today.

Brown, a New York City native will serve as the franchise’s second head coach. Brown spent the last three years as the D-Fenders’ assistant coach and in addition, brings over a decade of experience in the NBA, NBA D-League, CBA, and WBA as both player and coach.

“We think Chucky has a bright future in coaching and are excited to have him as the next head coach of the Los Angeles D-Fenders,” said Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak.

Under Head Coach Dan Panaggio, Brown helped lead the D-Fenders to the franchise’s first playoff victory in 2008 versus the Colorado 14ers.

Also, in 2008, Brown displayed his coaching abilities when he served as D-Fenders acting head coach for Dan Panaggio, who was ill, in the 2008 NBA D-League Showcase presented by Adidas. Brown led the D-Fenders to a 4th quarter comeback, scoring 67 second half points and overcoming a 14-point deficit to beat the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, 110-97.

Preceding his coaching role with the D-Fenders, Brown served as assistant coach for the Roanoke Dazzle for two seasons.

Prior to coaching, Brown was drafted from North Carolina State to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1989 NBA Draft. Brown went on to play 694 games in the NBA from 1989-2002. Brown shares the record for the most NBA teams played for in a career with Tony Massenburg. The twelve teams included the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings.