It's Official: Santiago Basket Titanes Hire NBA Vet Keith Closs As Head Coach

Santiago Basket Titanes Dorado announced the hiring of former NBA standout, Keith Closs (224-C-1976, college: CCSU), as their new head coach this past Friday. Titanes General Manager, Travis McAvene , called the 46-year-old Closs a "determined leader, a tough-minded competitor and a great teammate," in a news release.

The Titanes will hold a news conference at the Gran Arena del Cibao on October 1st to introduce Closs to Santiago. Joining the new head coach will be Garfield Richards, along with General Manager Travis McAvene .

As reported on Monday, the Titanes lost coaching legend Guillermo Reyes to his LDC Superior League Commissioner promotion. McAvene immediately went to work making it his primary focus to sign the former NBA player as the head coach. "I was up late talking to Jermaine Barnes about the promotion of Coach Reyes. Although I'm very excited for him in his new role, I still have a job to do. After hours of discussion, Mr. Barnes and I decided that Keith Closs was worth the investment, " stated McAvene.

Details of the contract were still being completed on Friday, a source indicated.

Closs is a former NBA player for the Los Angels Clippers. He is currently top 5 in NCAA history for shots blocked with over 6 per game. Last season, Closs coached in Turkey with Haremspor (TBL).

"When Keith Closs became a free agent, I knew we had to get him in our league, " Barnes explained in a recent news release. "When you list the characteristics that make a successful head coach, you include leadership, communication, and a competitive drive. Keith used all those traits to become a legendary player in both the NCAA and NBA. He has now translated his on-court success into coaching. We welcome him to the Titanes organization and look forward to building a better atmosphere for our LDC players."

General Manager Travis McAvene further elaborated on the hiring of Closs stating, "We believe in Keith's focus, vision, and understanding of the game of basketball. I've had the privilege of coaching Keith while Mr. Barnes has had the opportunity to play beside him. We both understand that he is a legend and has a lot to give to this game. It gave me great pleasure to name him as our head coach."

Keith Closs Resume

1993-1994: Baldwin Park, CA / Sierra Vista High School
1994-1995: Central Connecticut State University (NCAA): BlockNCAA-1 (5.35bpg)
1995-1996: Central Connecticut State University (NCAA): BlockNCAA-1 (6.4bpg)
1996-1997: Norwich Neptunes (ABA): Blocks-1 (5.9bpg)
1997: Signed with Los Angeles Clippers (NBA) 5-years contract worth $8.5 million
1997-1998: Los Angeles Clippers (NBA): 1.4bpg
1998-1999: Los Angeles Clippers (NBA): 1.4rpg
1999-2000: Los Angeles Clippers (NBA): 1.3bpg
2000-2001: Los Angeles Clippers (NBA): 1.5bpg
2001-2002: Nuovo Basket Record Napoli (Italy): Block-1 (4.4bpg)
2003: Pennsylvania Valley Dawgs (USBL): 2.2bpg
2004-2005: Gary Steelheads (CBA): Block-2 (3.1bpg)
2006: Lechugueros de Leon (Mexico): Block-1 (3.8bpg)
2006-2007: In Nov.'06 signed at Butte Daredevils (CBA): 2.9bpg
2007: Drafted by Tulsa 66ers (D-League,5rd (67))
2007-2008: Tulsa 66ers (D-League): Blocks-1 (2.8bpg)
2008-2009: Yunnan Honghe Running Bulls (China-CBA): Blocks-1 (4.5bpg)

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Tags : KEITH CLOSS, CEDAR PARK CLAWS, DOMINICAN REP. BASKETBALL