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Brown to coach Bobcats

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina: Larry Brown, a Hall of Fame coach who guided Detroit to a National Basketball Association title, has reached a deal to coach the Charlotte Bobcats, the Charlotte Observer reported.

Citing an unnamed NBA executive source, the newspaper reported early Tuesday that Brown, who resigned last Thursday as executive vice president of the Philadelphia 76ers, agreed on Monday to replace Sam Vincent as the Bobcats coach.

Vincent was fired Saturday and said he thought the availability of Brown was a factor in his being dumped. Brown said when he departed the 76ers that he was seeking a coaching position.

The Bobcats plan to make a major announcement on Tuesday afternoon, likely the confirmation that Brown, 63, would take charge of the team whose executive decisions are made by retired NBA legend Michael Jordan.

Turkoglu most improved player

NEW YORK: Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu has won the Most Improved Player Award, the NBA said on Monday.

The 29-year-old from Turkey started every game this season and his 19.5 scoring average was nearly eight points higher than his career average.

The eight-year NBA veteran also had career highs in rebounding (5.7) and assists (5.0) while shooting .400 from three-point range and .829 from the free-throw line.

Turkoglu received a total of 380 points, including 61 first-place votes, from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters.

Memphis forward Rudy Gay was second on 167 points followed by LaMarcus Aldridge of Portland on 128.

Spoelstra takes over from Riley

MIAMI: Pat Riley stepped down as head coach of the Miami Heat on Monday after a league-worst 15-67 season.

Long-time assistant Erik Spoelstra, 37, will take over, becoming the youngest head coach in the NBA.

"I believe Erik Spoelstra is one of the most talented young coaches in a long time," Riley told a news conference.

Riley coached the Los Angeles Lakers to four NBA titles, led the New York Knicks to the NBA Finals and steered the Heat to the championship in 2006.

"The last five years I've been a little bit in conflict with whether or not I wanted to (coach)," said the 63-year-old. "Today I am definitely sure I don't want to do this any more."

In two stints as Heat coach (1995-2003 and 2005-08) Riley guided the team to a 454-395 (.535) record with one title, one conference championship, six division championships and eight playoff berths.

Chest injury sidelines Powell

SALVO, North Carolina: Jamaican 100m world record holder Asafa Powell has withdrawn from all competition until late June so he can recover from a pulled chest muscle, his manager said on Monday.

The move is precautionary and the injury to Powell's pectoral muscle is not expected to affect the Jamaican's long-range preparations for August's Beijing Olympics, Paul Doyle said in a telephone interview from his home in Atlanta.

His race with American world champion Tyson Gay is expected to be one of the highlights of the Games, which begin on Aug 8.

"The pec injury will keep him out for a little while and as a result we feel it is best that he get more training in and wait to compete till much later," Doyle said.

Powell will miss competitions in Doha in May and in Oslo and Eugene, Oregon, in June as he recovered, Doyle said.

His first race back is expected to be the Jamaican championships in late June.

Adebayor hits hat-trick

LONDON: Emmanuel Adebayor came off the bench to score a second half hat-trick as Arsenal crushed relegated Derby County 6-2 at Pride Park in the Premier League on Monday.

Arsenal moved on to 77 points, a tally that ensures it will finish at least third. Manchester United and Chelsea occupy the top two spots, both on 81 points.

Although Arsenal still has a remote mathematical chance of winning the title if United and Chelsea were to collapse in their final two matches, there was an end of season atmosphere about the game in which Derby started the better side.

Derby, who conceded six goals for the second home match in succession after a 6-0 rout by Aston Villa, was level when James McEveley equalized in the 31st minute after Arsenal failed to deal with an inswinging Robbie Savage free kick.

(China Daily 04/30/2008 page22)