Pistons legend Isiah Thomas now coach at Florida International MIAMI — Isiah Thomas is back in coaching, and Florida International wound up as his surprising destination. The Pistons legend, who most recently was Knicks president and coach was hired to take over FIU’s program Tuesday, a move that gives the Hall of Fame player a chance to revive his career. Financial terms of his five-year contract weren’t immediately released. A news conference to introduce Thomas was planned for Wednesday. “We are very excited to have such a legendary athlete and proven winner in Isiah Thomas to lead our men’s basketball program,” FIU athletic director Pete Garcia said. “There is no doubt that Isiah will give FIU a tremendous opportunity to take the basketball program to the highest level.” Thomas helped the Pistons win two NBA championships as a point guard, then coached the Indiana Pacers before taking over in New York, where an array of problems marred his tenure. He has never coached at the college level. Undeterred, FIU moved quickly to lock up its top choice for the job, and Thomas was set to arrive Tuesday afternoon, ready to meet his team and get ready for a rushed recruiting season. “I think we can get good players from across Florida and around the country to buy into our plan to make this a top-tier basketball program,” Thomas said in a statement released by the school. “I’m committed to growing something here, and strongly believe that over time, we’ll put a team on the floor that everyone at FIU can be proud of.” Thomas comes to FIU after several years of losing and legal problems in New York. The Knicks finished 23-59 a year ago, prompting Thomas’ firing. They never won a playoff game in his stay as president or coach, and his overall record in New York was 56-108. Knicks president Donnie Walsh said “I think it’s a great thing for him and it’s kind of what I wanted for him from the day I let him go.” In 2007, a jury ordered Knicks owner Madison Square Garden to pay $11.6 million to a former team executive who alleged she was sexually harassed by Thomas, who continually maintained his innocence and was never found personally liable. http://www.freep.com/article/20090414/SPORTS03/90414053/1051/rss16 --

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