Vipers’ Head Coach Resigns Larry Brown resigns from his position due to medical issues
Florence, SC – February 12, 2014 – The Pee Dee Vipers’ Head Coach, Larry Brown, has resigned from his position as a consequence of medical concerns and precautions. Brown and the Vipers took into consideration the long-term health of Brown and productivity of the team when making this decision.
Brown does not feel that he can adequately provide the Vipers with the standard of coaching he is accustom to contributing and focus on improving his health at the same time. The entire Vipers Organization backs Brown in his decision and will continue to support him during his journey to good health.
Andre Bovain has been named Head Coach. Bovain served as the Vipers’ Assistant Coach under Brown. NBA legend and Columbia, SC native, Xavier McDaniel will be one of the Vipers’ assistant coaches. Bryan Hergenroether will also join the Vipers’ coaching staff.
The Vipers’ new coaching staff will leave much of what Brown has developed in place; plays and structure will be similar. Brown and Bovain worked closely to ensure that the coaching transition will be smooth and not dramatically impact the team’s winning style of play.
Xavier McDaniel: • Played in college at Wichita State (1981-1985) • 4th overall in the 1985 NBA draft to the Seattle SuperSonics • Played 14 seasons in the NBA (1985-1998) • NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1986 • NBA All-Star in 1988 • Career Stats (NBA): Points – 13,606; Rebounds – 5,313; Assists – 1,775 • Played against names such as Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, James Worthy and Charles Barkley • Coached several AAU teams throughout SC and the nation to championships • Personal coach and trainer for several college and professional players
Bryan Hergenroether: • League coordinator for Venice Basketball League (VBL) (2013-Feb 2014) • Head coach for the VBL All-Star team (May 2012-Feb 2014) • Assistant coach and director of basketball operations for Santa Barbara Breakers (2011 and 2012 seasons) o Coached NBA players such as Nick Young and Samardo Samuels • Event director for Hoopscout USA • Master’s degree in sport management from California State University, Long Beach
Meet-And-Greet – Sat. Feb. 15 Fans can come to Dick’s Sporting Goods to meet the players, take photos and shop! The Vipers have a unique coupon for fans to enjoy – up to 20% off their purchase! MORE INFO.
What: Meet-and-greet When: Saturday, February 15 Where: Dick’s Sporting Goods Time: 10AM-12PM
Next Game The Vipers match up against the Indianapolis Diesels on Thursday, February 27. This will be the first game between the two teams. The Vipers are 6-1 and looking to continue their winning streak against the Diesels (3-2).
Home Schedule Feb 27 (6:30PM) – Indianapolis Diesels March 2 (4PM) – Bloomington Flex March 8 (7PM) – Lynchburg Titans March 21 (7PM) – Rochester RazorSharks
Quotes From Vipers General Manager, Sharone Wright:
On Larry Brown: “Coach Brown did a great job in getting this organization off to a good start. For health reasons he couldn’t complete our goal but I’m thankful for his contributions and wish him all the best. We will always be there for Coach Brown – he has given this organization a fighting chance for a championship in the first season. I’ve known and loved Larry since I was at Clemson and will continue the great relationship we share. We want him to get better.”
On the new coaching staff: “’I’m very pleased with coach Bovain’s progress. Our staff, organization and players love him. He brings a wealth of experience from playing in the minor leagues and has displayed and positioned himself as the leader of our ball club. We have a lot of confidence in him. He obviously has a defensive background from his playing days, but he is one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around. In learning from Coach Brown and his growth in the past, we are in good hands going forward.”
“Xavier McDaniel needs no intro. We had planned on bringing “X-man” around to assist Coach Bovain in the team’s second year, but I felt now is the perfect time. He is a Hall-of-Famer with loads of experience. There’s no one better than Coach McDaniel to teach and develop our forwards and help mold our young guys.”
“Assistant Coach Bryan Hergenroether has worked with me for two years. He’s a proven, dedicated assistant. We have won many games together and I’m excited for him to assist Coach Bovain.”
“I feel that we have only scratched the surface on where we can be. It is time for our drive for a championship.”
From Head Coach, Andre Bovain: “I am very blessed and excited to take over as the Vipers’ head coach. We will continue to play with excitement and high energy for our community and fans. We are looking forward to our upcoming games while focusing on our goal to win a championship for the entire Pee Dee.”
From Assistant Coach, Xavier McDaniel “I am more than excited to join the Pee Dee Vipers staff and looking forward to being heavily involved in the community and interacting with kids and fans. I’m also looking forward to assisting Andre and sharing my knowledge and experience as we develop our players into NBA- caliber players. I haven’t been this excited in a while – it reminds my of my old NBA days.”
From Assistant Coach, Bryan Hergenroether On the organization: “I am thrilled and thankful for this opportunity to join the Pee Dee Vipers organization. I have been following the team even before the season started. I had the privilege of meeting and working with Sharone Wright during this past summer in Los Angeles. I was able to see first hand his passion and knowledge for the game. The Vipers were his main focus and I could tell he was determined to construct a championship-caliber team. A month into the season and they're number one in the league. He holds himself and everyone he is affiliated with to a high standard of excellence. It is through this type of mindset and work ethic that success is gained.
On his coaching style: “Along with that same mindset, I come into this organization with a fresh energy and outlook on basketball. I am a “players’ coach” and cannot wait to start working with the guys. I also look forward to working along side highly respected coach, Andre Bovain. He has much to offer and I think he will thrive as a head coach.
Goals: “My main goal with this team is to keep the momentum going by adding to their winning mentality with a positive outlook, hard work, and diligence. Finally, I have heard from multiple individuals in the organization that the community support is unbelievable. I am excited to meet the people of Florence and hope to see everyone at all of our home games.”
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