Former Ryukyu Golden Kings coach Hernando Planells has been hired as an assistant coach for the NBA Development League's Maine Red Claws.
Planells, who guided the Golden Kings during their inaugural season in the bj-league (2007-08), will work for the D-League's affiliate of the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Bobcats.
Planells is the first former bj-league head coach to land a job as a coach in the NBA's official minor league.
"I'm excited to have Hernando on staff," said Red Claws head coach Austin Ainge, son of Celtics president and former NBA standout Danny Ainge. "He has great character and work ethic, and he will be a tremendous help as we get ready for our second season."
Planells, who turns 34 in November, has worked extensively in a variety of basketball-related jobs, including coaching gigs in the high school, college and pro levels in the United States. He's also choreographed basketball scenes in several movies and TV commercials. His movie credits include "Coach Carter," "Rebound" and "Spider-Man 3."
In addition, Planells has worked as a scout under Marty Blake, the NBA's director of scouting for the past few seasons.