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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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