Spurs of the East?

When the Cleveland Cavaliers meet the Spurs in the 2007 NBA Finals, it will be an unusual reunion of basketball personnel. Several key individuals in the Cavs organization have strong ties to San Antonio, and with Cleveland's reputation as a defensive-oriented team, some have labeled them the "Spurs of the East."

Here's a look at the connections:

Head Coach Mike Brown

Brown was an assistant coach for the Spurs for three seasons, including the 2003 NBA Championship season. While with the Spurs, Brown’s teams won at least 58 games each season. He also was the head coach for the Spurs’ summer league teams in Boston and Salt Lake City.

A 13-year veteran of the NBA, Brown is widely regarded as a defensive specialist. As associate head coach of the Indiana Pacers, he helped lead the team to consecutive playoff appearances including a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2004.

Assistant Coach Hank Egan

Egan spent eight seasons as an assistant coach with the Spurs and helped guide the club to an NBA Championship in 1999. During his tenure with San Antonio, the Spurs compiled a 403-221 (.646) record and made seven trips to the NBA Playoffs. He also assisted in leading the Spurs to five Midwest Division titles and the NBA’s best record four times.

Before joining the Spurs, Egan spent 23 years as an NCAA Division I head coach including 10 seasons at the University of San Diego (1984-1994). Having earned a reputation as one of the top defensive coaches in the country during his collegiate tenure, Egan received West Coast Conference Coach of the Year honors following back-to-back seasons in 1985-86 and 1986-87.

General Manager Danny Ferry

Ferry spent two seasons from 2003-2005 as the director of basketball operations for the Spurs, where he was actively involved in all aspects of the basketball operations department with an emphasis on the draft and free agency. He also aided in the strategic planning for Spurs Sports and Entertainment.

During his time in the Spurs front office, San Antonio compiled a combined regular season and playoff record of 138-59 (.701).
While in San Antonio, he won NBA Championships as both a member of the front office (2005) and as a player (2003).

Ferry, a 13-year NBA veteran, played the final three years of his career in San Antonio (2000-03).

Assistant General Manager Lance Blanks

Blanks spent five seasons as the director of scouting for the Spurs where he was a part of two NBA Championships working in various positions in the front office. He joined the Spurs in 2000 as a scout and was promoted to director of scouting in September of 2002. In San Antonio, Blanks served as Spurs television analyst for both the 2003- 04 and 2004-05 season.

While a resident of San Antonio, former mayor Ed Garza appointed Blanks to the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame organizing committee.

Forward Ira Newble

Newble played in 27 games for the Spurs in 2000-02, averaging 2.0 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. He also played for the Spurs’ entry in the Rocky Mountain Revue in 1999-00.