‘The exact kind of leader we need’: Saskatoon Mamba hire new head coach

(Courtesy: Saskatoon Mamba)

The newly-rebranded Saskatoon Mamba have a new bench boss.

In a press release Thursday, the former Saskatchewan Rattlers announced that Isaiah Fox, the current associate head coach of the Utah Jazz’s NBA G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, has been named the new head coach of the Mamba.

• Saskatchewan Rattlers rebranded as Saskatoon Mamba

“We are thrilled to bring Isaiah’s championship experience and player-first approach to Saskatoon and Saskatchewan,” said Jason Ribeiro, co-chairman of the Saskatoon Mamba.

“He’s a teacher of the game who has repeatedly won in tournament and playoff environments — the exact kind of leader we need to reset our program and elevate our standard of play.”

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Fox - who replaces Eric Magdanz as head coach - brings NBA experience to the Mamba. He began his coaching career in 2016 as an assistant coach with the South Bay Lakers before serving as a player development coach with the Los Angeles Lakers.

“I am humbled and excited for the opportunity in Saskatoon,” said Fox.

“The entire Mamba organization is committed to competing, developing players, and connecting with the community. My staff and I will be relentless about building a tough, skilled, and unselfish group that plays for each other as we work to bring a second CEBL championship home.”

Prior to getting into coaching, Fox played for four years with the University of Arizona Wildcats.

The Mamba tip-off their season on May 14. A full schedule is available at saskatoonmamba.ca/schedule.