Ex-NBA center Bill Cartwright named new Mexico national team coach

Former NBA center and Chicago Bulls head coach Bill Cartwright was named the new coach of the Mexico national basketball team Wednesday.

Former NBA center and ex-Chicago Bulls head coach Bill Cartwright was named the new coach of the Mexico national basketball team Wednesday, announced the National Commission of Physical Culture and Sports in Mexico.

Cartwright was a three-time NBA champion as a player with the Chicago Bulls, and also played with the New York Knicks and Seattle Supersonics. 

• SI's Top 100 NBA players of 2015

He took over as Bulls coach during the 2001-02 season before being fired during the 2003-04 season. Cartwright then served as an assistant coach with both the New Jersey Nets and Phoenix Suns, and was hired in January 2013 to coach Japan's Osaka Evessa.

Cartwright, 57 replaces Sergio Valdeolmillos, who led the team for three years. Mexico reached the Round of 16 at the 2014 FIBA World Cup. 

Cartwright averaged 13.2 points and 6.3 rebounds during his 15-year NBA career. 

- Molly Geary