Nate Archibald To Coach Team

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) â€” Hall of Famer Nate ``Tiny'' Archibald was appointed coach of the National Basketball Development League team in Fayetteville. <br><br>Archibald said he was excited about

Wednesday, January 31st 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) â€” Hall of Famer Nate ``Tiny'' Archibald was appointed coach of the National Basketball Development League team in Fayetteville.

Archibald said he was excited about coming to Fayetteville, the first city granted a team in the NBA's minor league.

``This is an opportunity to combine two of my passions, teaching and basketball, all while working for a first-class organization,'' he said.

Archibald, a New York City native and six-time NBA All-Star, played 14 years in the NBA. After retiring, he earned a master's degree in adult education and human resources development from Fordham University and ran basketball schools for underprivileged. He is now pursuing a doctoral degree in education.

Most recently, he coached the NBA Ambassadors, the league's summer entry into the Asian Basketball Association.

``We are thrilled that a man of Nate's diverse accomplishments will help launch our new league,'' said Rob Levine, the NBA's senior vice president for new league development.

The NBDL will begin its inaugural season in November with teams based in eight southeastern U.S. cities and a 56-game regular season schedule that runs from through March 2002, followed by playoffs.

The league is designed to offer players the chance to develop their talent under the NBA's umbrella. The minor league teams will not have a direct affiliation with specific NBA teams, meaning the players will be eligible to play for any NBA team.