Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco to coach Bahamas men's national team

Share

Talk about a sweet gig.

Warriors assistant coach Chris DeMarco has been a consistent presence on Golden State's sideline over the last several years, over the course of which he's gotten plenty of championship experience.

Starting this summer, DeMarco will be taking that experience to the tropics. The Undefeated's Marc Spears reported Monday that DeMarcos has agreed in principle to become the head coach of the Bahamas Basketball Federations' senior men's national team.

DeMarco began with the Warriors as a video scout, and has ascended up the coaching ranks to his current position. He has previously served as an assistant coach for the Bahamas, and will now take over the reins when he doesn't have Golden State commitments.

While the Bahamas failed to qualify for the upcoming 2019 World Cup in China, there is no shortage of NBA talent originating from the islands, including Sacramento's Buddy Hield and Phoenix' DeAndre Ayton.

"There is a lot of potential for growth. It's crazy the talent they have with only 400,000 (people)," DeMarco told The Undefeated. "It's a tremendous opportunity."

Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson has Bahamian family ties through his father, Mychal, but neither he nor Rockets guard Eric Gordon are eligible to participate with the Bahamian national team due to their prior experience with USA Basketball. Still, the elder Thompson believes the DeMarco hire is a good one.

[RELATED: Klay roasts BFF Zaza on 'Get well soon' Instagram post]

"It's great for the Bahamas getting a coach with championship experience at the highest level of basketball," Thompson told The Undefeated. "He will bring a winning mentality and a great organizer."

DeMarco will be needed back in the Bay Area when the Warriors open up Chase Center at the start of next season. But until then, he can gain further coaching experience, and get a tan while he's at it.

Contact Us