New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced today that Mike D’Antoni has been named the 24th head coach in the franchise’s 62-year history. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"After thorough discussions with several impressive candidates, it was clear that Mike D’Antoni is the right coach to lead the New York Knicks," Walsh said. "Mike has established himself as one of the top coaches in our game and his expertise will be key as we work towards our goal of bringing winning basketball back to New York."

D’Antoni has compiled a .608 winning percentage (267-172) in six seasons as an NBA head coach with the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets. Named NBA Coach of the Year in 2004-05, D’Antoni has guided the Suns to 54 or more wins in each of the last four seasons while earning a reputation as one of the top offensive minds in the game. The Mullens, WV native brings over three decades of professional basketball experience to New York as a player, coach, front office executive and scout in the NBA, ABA and the Italian League.

"It is an honor to be named head coach of the New York Knicks, one of the most storied franchises in all of sports," D’Antoni said. "I am thankful to Donnie for this opportunity and I look forward to the challenge of producing a winner for New York."

D’Antoni guided the Suns to the postseason in each of the last four seasons, including consecutive trips to the Western Conference Finals in 2005 and 2006. After coaching Denver during the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season, D’Antoni went overseas and led Benetton Treviso to the 2002 Italian League Championship before being named head coach of the Suns 21 games into the 2003-04 season. The 57-year old D’Antoni coached the 2007 Western Conference All-Star Team and currently serves as an assistant coach for USA Basketball’s Men’s Senior National Team that will compete in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

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