May 14, 2007

(TORONTO) -- Toronto Raptors coach Sam Mitchell has been named The Sporting News Coach of the Year for the 2006-07 season, the U.S. based publication announced Monday. In April, Mitchell was awarded the Red Auerbach Trophy from the NBA as its Coach of the Year.

Mitchell, the first coach in Raptors history to receive the honour, led the Raptors to their first Atlantic Division title, a franchise-record-tying 47 wins, and home court advantage in the playoffs for the first time in team history. The sixth head coach in franchise history, Mitchell guided the team to an NBA-best 20-game improvement (27-55) over the 2005-06 season.

In January, Mitchell became only the second coach in Raptors history to earn Eastern Conference Coach of the Month honours after leading the team to a 10-5 record. During the month, Toronto recorded a 7-3 mark at home and was 8-2 versus Eastern Conference opponents. January was the Raptors’ first 10-win month since January 2002 (11-5) and the fifth double-digit win month in franchise history. The Raptors finished January leading the Atlantic Division by one game with a 23-23 record and then compiled a 24-12 record to close out the rest of the season.

Mitchell received 10 of the 27 votes from NBA coaches. He beat out Dallas’ Avery Johnson who finished second with 8 ½ votes and Utah’s Jerry Sloan who was third with 7 votes.