Men's Basketball | 5/9/2016 4:26:00 PM
Kings Release
MOORHEAD, Minn. — Former Dragon men's basketball player Dave Joerger has been named the head coach of the NBA's Sacramento Kings, the team announced on Monday afternoon.
"I am thrilled to welcome Dave to the Sacramento Kings," said Kings vice president of basketball operations and general manager Vlade Divac in a release. "He is a strong and passionate leader with a proven track record of producing results. Dave shares our focus on creating a long-term culture of winning and I look forward to a bright future ahead for the Kings with his leadership on the court."
Joerger, a 1997 MSUM graduate with a degree in mass communications, played point guard for the Dragon men's basketball team for two seasons (1995-96 and 1996-97) under Hall of Fame Coach Dave Schellhase.
The Staples, Minn., native served as the Memphis Grizzlies head coach for three seasons, compiling a 147-99 (.598) regular-season mark. He led Memphis to three straight playoff appearances and two seasons of 50 wins or more.
Prior to working his way to the NBA ranks, Joerger had a successful run as a minor league basketball coach. He coaches the NBA D-League's Dakota Wizards to the championship in 2006-07, marking his fifth title of his career. He won three Continental Basketball Association titles and one International Basketball Association title. During his time as a head coach in the NBA D-League, CBA and IBA, he compiled a record of 232-117 (.665).
Joerger was a solid point guard during his time at MSU, compiling an impressive 227 assists in 54 games during his two seasons as a Dragon. In 1995-96, Joerger played in 27 games, starting 12. He averaged 5.8 points and a team-best 4.1 assists per game as a junior. He also shot 47.8 percent from the three-point line, best on the team, and led the team with a 95.5 free-throw percentage (42-of-44).
In 1996-97, as a senior, Joerger averaged 6.0 points and a team-best 4.7 assists per game. He also led the team in free-throw percentage at 86.6 percent (58-of-67) and steals (53). He set the MSUM single-game assist record in 1996 with 15 against Winona State.
He and his wife, Kara, are the parents of two daughters, Alli and Kiana.
