Michael Malone, an assistant with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, is joining the coaching staff of the Canadian men’s basketball team.Malone will be an assistant to head coach Leo Rautins. Malone is in his second season with the Cavs after spending the previous two years with the New York Knicks as a coaching associate. Prior to going to New York, Malone spent seven seasons in the U.S. college ranks, serving his final two years as a lead assistant at Manhattan College.
“He has a great basketball background and is a person whose input and knowledge I trust,” Rautins said Wednesday in a statement. “I know he will fit in seamlessly with our staff and coaching philosophies.”
The Canadians play their first game of the 2007 season July 25 at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“I have known Leo since he was coached by my father at Syracuse University and I am eager to work with him and his existing coaching staff on the international basketball scene,” said Malone, who is the son of veteran NBA coach Brendan Malone.