Lakers make it official, hire Snider as assistant coach

EL SEGUNDO – The Los Angeles Lakers have hired Chuck Person and Quin Snyder to serve as assistant coaches.

Snyder joins the Lakers staff after spending last season serving as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers. Prior to his stint with the Sixers, Snyder spent three years as head coach of the Austin Toros in the NBA D-League. Snyder compiled a record of 94-56 (.627) with the Toros while guiding them to the playoffs in all three seasons he was at the helm, including an appearance in the championship game in 2008. He earned the D-League’s Dennis Johnson Coach of the Year award in 2008-09.

“With the addition of Quin to my coaching staff, we’ve added someone who has an extremely intelligent basketball mind,” said Lakers Head Coach Mike Brown. “Quin’s most valuable asset, however, is his passion for coaching and his ability to get the most out of the players he coaches. I’m extremely pleased to have him on my staff.”

Prior to his time with the Toros, Snyder was the head coach at the University of Missouri for seven seasons, posting a mark of 128-96 (.571). Under Snyder, the Tigers made six consecutive postseason appearances, including four trips to the NCAA Tournament and a berth in the Elite Eight.

“I am grateful to Mike Brown and the entire Lakers organization for providing me with this opportunity,” said Snyder.  “I’m looking forward to fulfilling whatever role I’m asked to assume.  I could not be more excited to have this unique opportunity.”

Snyder, who played for Duke from 1986-89 and served on the coaching staff from 1993-99, took part in five Final Fours – three as a player (1986, 1988, 1989) and two more as a coach (1994, 1999).  In 1991, after a year at Duke Law School, Snyder simultaneously enrolled in Duke's Fuqua School of Business.  Taking time off from both programs a year later to serve as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers ( 1992-93), Snyder returned to Duke in 1993 and served as an administrative assistant coach under head coach Mike Krzyzewski for the next two seasons while completing his JD and MBA degrees.  Upon graduation, he became a full-time assistant coach at Duke (1995-97) and was subsequently promoted to associate head coach for the 1997-98 and 1998-99 seasons.