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Harris confirms China Olympic job possible
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-02-18 15:06
Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Del Harris confirmed that he had spoken to
Chinese basketball officials about coaching their Olympic team, but said the
appointment wasn't quite official yet.
Dallas
Mavericks assistant head coach, Del Harris (L), seen here talking with
Raef LaFrenz, confirmed that he had spoken with Chinese basketball
officials about coaching their Olympiv team, but said the appointment
wasm't quite official yet. [AFP] | Harris'
extensive experience in international competition - he has been involved with
national teams from Puerto Rico, Canada and the United States - apparently drew
the interest of Chinese basketball officials.
"They had a large list of candidates that they went through because they were
willing to go outside their country this time to get a head coach for the
Olympic team," Harris said. "It's symbolic of the openness now that China wants
to have with the world.
"Out of a large number of candidates, they ended up with me."
But Harris stressed that the sports ministry of China still must agree.
"Until they OK it, it's not a done deal," Harris said.
However, with China's National Basketball Association superstar Yao Ming
voicing support for Harris, the coach seemed virtually certain to become the
first foreigner to guide a Chinese Olympic team in basketball, football or
volleyball.
Harris would join the Chinese team after the NBA season ends.
"It's quite a sacrifice, giving up your whole summer," Mavericks coach Don
Nelson said. "But if it's something he wants to do, I'm happy for him."
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