The San Antonio Spurs have hired three-time NBA champion Mario Elie as an assistant coach for the 2003-04 season.
"I'm the happiest man in the world right now," Elie said. "When I retired two years ago, I let everyone know I wanted to get into coaching. I didn't burn any bridges and just tried to stay patient. Now I'm getting to go to a first-class organization where I know and like the guys. I'm just ecstatic."