NBA: Ex-Aussie league coach Dunlap named to guide Bobcats

Dunlap will be charged with turning around the fortunes of the worst team in NBA history. The Bobcats went 7-59 in a season shortened by a money squabble between owners and players, their 10.6 win percentage the all-time NBA lowest.

Paul Silas was dumped as coach by the Bobcats after they lost their final 23 games of the season.

"Mike Dunlap embodies the characteristics we were seeking in a coach," said Bobcats president of basketball operations Rod Higgins.

"He is renowned in basketball circles as a teacher, developer of talent, communicator and collaborator.

"His energy and work ethic are endless and we are excited to have him in charge of our team."

Dunlap had served as an assistant coach at St. John's University and served as coach for most of last season while regular boss Steve Lavin recovered from prostate cancer surgery.

The Bobcats will have the No. 2 selection in next week's NBA Draft, losing the top spot to the New Orleans Hornets in the NBA Draft Lottery last month.

Dunlap's lone NBA experience was from 2006-2008 as an assistant coach to George Karl with the Denver Nuggets.

Dunlap spent most of his career with US college teams but from 1994 until 1997 he guided the Australian National Basketball League's Adelaide 36ers to a 59-33 record and three trips to the NBL Final Four, including the 1995 Grand Final.