Brooks named head coach of Thunder

OKLAHOMA CITY, April 16 (UPI) -- Scott Brooks, who became the Oklahoma City Thunder's interim coach early this season, has been named head coach of the NBA team.

"We are excited to have a head coach in Scott Brooks who believes in our philosophies and consistently leads with those values," General Manager Sam Presti said Wednesday. "He has a passion to help our players develop, continue to foster accountability and selfless play, and has the ability to communicate with every player on our roster."

Brooks, a former NBA player, became the Thunder's interim coach in November, replacing P.J.Carlesimo.

Oklahoma City was 22-47 under Brooks this season.

The 43-year-old Brooks previously was an assistant coach for the Thunder, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings.

Brooks played for Cleveland, New York, Philadelphia, Minnesota, Houston and Dallas during an 11-year NBA career.