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Chris Jent Named Bakersfield Jam Head Coach

The Phoenix Suns and Bakersfield Jam have named Chris Jent Head Coach of the Jam, it was announced today. Jent becomes the fifth head coach in franchise history. 

"It's an honor to be named Head Coach of the Bakersfield Jam and to be a part of an organization like the Phoenix Suns," said Jent. "Personally, it's a great opportunity to once again be a Head Coach and there couldn't be a better setting in the NBA D-League to help players develop and reach their basketball potential than in Bakersfield. I can't wait to get into the gym with the team and try to do something special as a group." 

Jent, 45, joins the Jam organization after spending the 2013-14 season and the beginning of the 2014-15 season as Michael Malone’s lead assistant with the Sacramento Kings. Prior to his role with the Kings, Jent served as an Assistant Coach at his alma mater Ohio State for two seasons (2011-13). During his tenure at Ohio State, the Buckeyes went 60-15 and earned a Final Four berth in 2012 and an Elite Eight appearance in 2013. 

"Chris Jent is going to be a big asset to our Suns family,” said Phoenix Suns Director of Player Personnel and Bakersfield Jam General Manager Bubba Burrage. “Chris is a very qualified coach both technically and instructionally.  I especially think our players will find Chris valuable in their improvement and development.  He's going to help them reach their goals.  I'm very happy to have Chris Jent as our Head Coach of the Bakersfield Jam."

He began his NBA coaching career as an Assistant Coach for the Philadelphia 76ers (2003-04). After his one-year stint with the 76ers, he spent the 2004-05 campaign as an Assistant Coach for the Orlando Magic. At Orlando, Jent was appointed interim Head Coach for the final 18 games of the 2004-05 season where he finished with a 5-13 record.

Known as a strong developer of talent, Jent was the Director of Player Development for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2006-09. He worked with and improved the shooting skills of the Cavs players, including LeBron James, and was later promoted to Assistant Coach in 2009. As a member of the Cavaliers coaching staff, Jent was instrumental in the team’s success as Cleveland posted a franchise and NBA-best 66 wins during the 2008-09 season. The Cavs also finished the regular season as the league’s best defensive team, holding opponents to a league-low 91.4 points per game.

He played 10 seasons professionally, including two years in the NBA with the 1994 NBA Champion Houston Rockets and the 1996-97 New York Knicks. He spent five seasons in the CBA (Continental Basketball Association) and also played overseas in Australia, Italy, Spain and Greece. 

Originally from Orange, California, Jent played four years (1988-92) at Ohio State and helped lead the Buckeyes to three consecutive NCAA tournaments and back-to-back Big Ten championships. He played in 123 games and scored 1,007 career points, which included 112 made 3-point field goals.