PHOENIX, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- The Phoenix Mercury announced Wednesday former Phoenix Suns player John Shumate would be their new coach.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Shumate, the Mercury's third coach in six seasons, was a 1974 first-round pick of the Suns and played for six teams over seven seasons, averaging 12.3 points and 7.2 rebounds before having his career cut short due to a circulatory condition in his leg.
The 50-year-old Shumate, who most recently was a college scout for the Suns, was an assistant at Notre Dame on two occasions, most recently form 1986-88, the coach at Southern Methodist from 1988-95, and an assistant for the Toronto Raptors from 1995-98.
"As an insider, John was a natural choice for the position of head coach for the Mercury and he starts well ahead of the curve from a standpoint of understanding our situation," Mercury president Bryan Colangelo said.
"His coaching and teaching experience at many different levels, coupled with the enthusiasm and passion he brings to work every day, are a perfect fit for this team."
Last season, Phoenix went 11-21, the worst mark in franchise history. Cynthia Cooper resigned as coach just 10 games into the season and was replaced by assistant Linda Sharp.
