Bickerstaff named GM of Charlotte Sting

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Bernie Bickerstaff, who has coached three NBA teams, Thursday was named general manager of the WNBA's Charlotte Sting.

The Sting also promoted Trudi Lacey to coach as the team revamped its management under new owner Robert Johnson.

Bickerstaff spent parts of 10 seasons as an NBA coach with the Seattle SuperSonics (1985-90), Denver Nuggets (1994-96) and Washington Wizards (1996-99), compiling a record of 338-348 (.493).

During the 1986-87 season, Bickerstaff led Seattle to the Western Conference finals before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers and was named NBA Coach of the Year.

The 58-year-old Bickerstaff most recently served as coach, general manager and owner of the St. Louis Storm of the International Basketball League.

"Bernie Bickerstaff brings more than three decades of coaching, player personnel and management experience to our organization," Sting executive vice president Ed Tapscott said. "His experience and managerial skills should prove invaluable as we make another run at the playoffs this summer."

Lacey takes over for Anne Donovan, who left the team in December to become coach of the Seattle Storm. Donovan also handed personnel matters.

Lacey joined the Sting as an assistant in April 2001 after four years as assistant director for women's programs at USA Basketball. She also was coach at South Florida for eight seasons.

Johnson took over the Sting as part of his purchase of an NBA expansion franchise in Charlotte.