Pop’s Right Hand Man:UMaine’s Boylen

Maine's two NBA head coaches, Steve Clifford and Brett Brown begin their second seasons tonight. Jim Boylen, a former UMaine player and now assistant coach with the  Spurs, got his NBA Championship ring last night during opening night ceremonies in San Antonio.

Clifford is a former UMaine Farmington player and begin his coaching career at Woodland HS. His Hornets host the Milwaukee Bucks tonight.

After making the playoffs for the first time in years in his first season as head coach, Clifford knows expectations are higher this year. His roster includes players such as Al Jefferson, Kemba Walker, Lance Stephenson, Gerald Henderson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and first round pick Noah Vonleh.

Brown is a former South Portland HS standout and is the son of longtime coach Bob Brown. His Philadelphia 76ers begin the NBA season tonight against the Indiana Pacers.

He is in the midst of a major rebuilding job with Philly. His young squad includes Michael Carter-Williams, Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel.

Jim Boylen began his second year as top assistant coach for Gregg Popovich and the Spurs. The championship ring Boylen received last night was his third one. He also was part of the Houston Rockets staff in 1994 and 1995 when they won back to back titles.

He captained the UMaine basketball team in 1987.