ROCHESTER, N.Y., Sept. 22, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Rochester RazorSharks announced that head coach Rod Baker has been named to the assistant coach position for the NBA Development League's Bakersfield Jam. Baker has led the Shark's with an impressive 147 - 36 overall record, including 4 Championships with the Rochester organization. Originally coaching the RazorSharks in another league and winning the championship, Baker transitioned his program to the PBL. Coach Baker led the Sharks to three additional Championships in the Premier Basketball League as well as being named Coach of the Year three times.
With big shoes to fill, the RazorSharks organization will be assisted by Baker in their national head coach search. Baker will also keep Rochester as his home while coaching in the Development League.
"I will miss the fans and the community, they really support pro basketball here in Rochester. Wherever I went in the community I was always asked about the RazorSharks. That says a lot about Rochester as a sports town," commented Baker. "We establish not only a great team but we also played a large role in community events and I am proud to have been a part of it all."
The Rochester RazorSharks team is considered by many as one of the top independent professional basketball programs.The Sharks front office is excited about the upcoming season and is thankful for all that Rod Baker has brought to the organization throughout his time at the helm.
"We wish Coach Baker lots of luck and we wish as much success to Bakersfield as he brought here in Rochester. He will always have a home here in Rochester. We are honored to have Coach Baker on the search committee for a new head coach. To step into Rod Baker's shoes will be hard," commented RazorSharks Co-Owner Orest Hrywnak.
The RazorSharks and the PBL will be kicking off the 2013 season March 1st, a later date than previous years. "We want to give team owners and front office staff ample time to prepare for the highly anticipated 2013 season. Our regional play model was a success in 2012 and we are giving our fans and teams a chance at an even larger reach for the upcoming season," commented Tom McGinn, PBL Vice President of Operations.
For more information on the Rochester RazorSharks and the National Head Coach search, visit www.RazorsSharks.com. For more information on the Premier Basketball League, visit www.ThePBL.com