Pro Partner Highlights Hurricanes Hire Francis as GM, Peters as Head Coach It has been a busy offseason for the Carolina Hurricanes, who will enter the 2014-15 season with new leadership at the top. Ron Francis, who has served in the team’s front office in multiple capacities since 2006, was named Executive Vice President and General Manager in late April. In one of his first moves, Francis tabbed Bill Peters as the 13th head coach in the franchise’s history. Most recently, Peters served as an assistant coach for the Detroit Red Wings.
Vice President of Hockey Operations, Ron Francis was appointed GM of the Hurricanes on April 28.
Coach Peters is a native of Canada and will serve as the fourth Hurricanes coach since the team’s arrival in North Carolina.
Al Jefferson Named All-NBA Third Team Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson was named All-NBA Third Team on June 4 after leading Charlotte with 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game as the team increased its win total by 22 over the previous season. Jefferson, who received a total of 191 points, including four First-Team votes by the panel of 125 sportswriters and broadcasters, is the fifth player in Charlotte history to earn All-NBA honors. Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson had a dominant first season in the Queen City.
McCoughtry, de Souza Named Players of the Week Atlanta Dream center Erika de Souza was named the WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week on June 9 after leading her team to two impressive wins. Not to be outdone by her teammate, guard/forward Angel McCoughtry picked up her 12th career Player of the Week honor when she was recognized on June 23.
Erika de Souza grabs a rebound during the May 11 preseason game against the New York Liberty.
Angel McCoughtry takes a jump shot during the June 20 game versus the Liberty.
Grizzlies, Hawks, Hornets Build for Future in 2014 NBA Draft
The Memphis Grizzlies selected UCLA shooting guard Jordan Adams with their first pick (22nd overall) in the 2014 NBA Draft.
With the 15th overall pick, the Atlanta Hawks drafted Michigan State power forward Adreian Payne. Payne poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver at the Draft.
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Commissioner Silver introduces the Charlotte Hornets first-round pick (9th overall), Indiana power forward Noah Vonleh, at the Barclays Center.