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InsideHoops.com NBA News

Orlando Magic President Bob Vander Weide announced today that COO John Weisbrod has been named the team’s General Manager.

Weisbrod will oversee all aspects of basketball operations, including player acquisitions via the draft, free agency and trades, player development, scouting, salary cap management, contract negotiations, and staff personnel decisions.

John Gabriel, who has been with the Magic since its inception, and been the team’s General Manager since 1996, will serve as a team advisor and regional scout.

Weisbrod will conduct a search for an assistant general manger, while continuing to work with Director of Scouting Dave Twardzik and Director of Player Development Otis Smith. Scott Herring will take on the role of Director of Basketball Administration.

“The one constant in John Weisbrod’s background is winning,” says Vander Weide. “His grasp of team dynamics and his experience in building winning organizations make him a great fit for this role. He is a fierce competitor, which is something our organization needs right now. I also look forward to having more direct involvement in decisions regarding our team, which is something I haven’t had the opportunity to do the last few years. On behalf of ownership, we appreciate John Gabriel’s service to this organization in his role as General Manager, and will remember with fondness the times we had.”

Added Weisbrod, “This has been a difficult process. I consider John Gabriel a true friend. I do look eagerly forward to my new responsibility, and very much plan on making this team win again.”

Weisbrod was named COO of RDV Sports on March 8, 2000. His responsibilities include the management of a staff numbering more than 300, and oversight of all business dealings of the Magic and RDV Sportsplex. Upon being named COO, NBA Commissioner David Stern said, “(John) is regarded as one of the up-and-comers in the world of sports business.” Added Vander Weide, “John’s a proven winner on the business side, and it is our belief that his success will translate to basketball operations.”

Prior to being appointed COO, Weisbrod served as vice president and general manager of the Orlando Solar Bears. In four years under his direction, the Solar Bears had the highest winning percentage in the International Hockey League. Orlando won two conference championships during Weisbrod’s tenure, culminating with a Turner Cup Championship in 2000-01.

Before his time with the Solar Bears, he spent four seasons as executive vice president and director of hockey operations for Albany of the American Hockey League. Albany is the top affiliate of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) New Jersey Devils. During his tenure, the team posted the highest winning percentage in the AHL. Albany won three division championships, and captured the Calder Cup in 1995 as AHL champions.

Weisbrod joined the front office after retiring as a player from the NHL’s San Jose Sharks due to a career-ending shoulder injury. He was originally selected by the Minnesota North Stars in the fourth round (73rd overall) of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft and later claimed in the 1991 NHL Dispersal Draft by San Jose.

Prior to turning pro, Weisbrod enjoyed an illustrious career at Harvard University. As a sophomore, he was a member of the Crimson’s 1989 NCAA Division I National Championship team, which he led in game-winning goals with six. He tallied 43 goals and 53 assists in 85 career collegiate games.

A recipient of many Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) postseason honors, Weisbrod was also honored with Harvard’s Donald Angier trophy, presented to the Harvard student who exemplifies dedication to the improvement of his team.

All told, Weisbrod has won championships at every level at which he has competed, earning championship rings in the NCAA (1989), AHL (1995), NHL (1995) and IHL (2001).

Before his collegiate career, Weisbrod was named by USA Today as the nation’s top professional prospect as a senior at Choate Prep in Wallingford, Conn. While at Choate, he received scholarship offers from nearly every recognized Division I hockey program in the nation.

Weisbrod was born on October 8, 1968, in Syosset, N.Y.