EL SEGUNDO, CA- Los Angeles Sparks President Johnny Buss and General Manager Penny Toler announced today that Joe “Jellybean” Bryant has been hired as the head coach.

Buss said, “Joe has shown to me, an incredible desire to coach. He has the passion for competition I look for. I am excited to have Joe Bryant leading the Sparks on our 10th Anniversary season!”

Bryant first joined the Sparks in 2005 as an assistant coach under Henry Bibby. He took over head coaching responsibilities for the final five games of the regular season where he posted a 4-1 record, allowing the team to finish evenly at .500 (17-17) and make an appearance in the playoffs.

“It’s just an honor and a privilege to work with the Buss family and with the Sparks. I guess you can say it’s my first official tenure with the Sparks as head coach so this year is going to be a great opportunity. I’m looking forward to the chance to work with a great team, great people, great personalities. It’s a true honor being involved with the WNBA’s 10th Anniversary. I’m very excited and a championship is on our mind.”

Bryant’s coaching experience began as an assistant coach at his alma mater, LaSalle University. In 2003 Bryant was named head coach of the Diabols of the Slamball league. Bryant spent two seasons in the ABA as head coach of the Las Vegas Rattlers and the Boston Frenzy. He is currently coaching the Tokyo Apache in the Japanese BJ league.

In 1975, Bryant was drafted (14th overall) out of LaSalle University by the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. Over eight seasons, he made an impact as a forward in 606 games playing with the Philadelphia 76ers, the San Diego Clippers and the Houston Rockets. Following his successful career in the NBA, Bryant moved to Italy where he played for eight years.

Joining Bryant as assistant coach will be Michael Abraham. Abraham’s extensive experience coaching women’s basketball includes head coach at Cal State Northridge as well as assistant coaching positions at Oregon State University and Long Beach State. Abraham currently resides in Portland where he coaches high school clinics for top college prospects.

The Los Angeles Sparks will tip off the 10th Anniversary season on Sunday, May 21st in Seattle when they take on the Storm. The Sparks will play the Detroit Shock at STAPLES Center for their home opener on Wednesday, June 7th at 6pm.