Courtesy of Bucknell Athletics Communications

LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell Athletics Hall-of-Famer Charles Lee '06 has been named head coach of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, VP of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson announced on Wednesday morning. Lee, who was one of the catalysts of two of the finest teams in Bucknell basketball history, becomes the 12th head coach in the franchise's history.

Lee is the first former student-athlete who played in the Patriot League (1990-present) to become an NBA head coach. He is the second Bucknell alum to coach in the NBA, joining Alvin "Doggie" Julian, who was head coach of the Celtics from 1948-50.  

"The opportunity to be the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets is a dream come true," Lee said in the Hornets' press release. "I want to thank Rick Schnall, Gabe Plotkin and Jeff Peterson for the trust they are placing in me to lead this team. The Hornets have a talented young core of players and I'm excited about our future and what we can build here. There are few places as passionate about basketball as the Carolinas, and I look forward to coming to Charlotte and getting to work."