HoopsHype.com Rumors

When Chris Copeland sees Celtics assistant coach Jay Larranaga on Monday night at the Garden, he will have a huge smile and hug awaiting. Without Larranaga's help in 2011 -- he was coaching the Knicks' D-League team, the Erie BayHawks, at the time -- Copeland would not be in a blue and orange uniform. "It was Jay Larranaga who really pushed the button," Copeland's agent, John Spencer, told ESPNNewYork.com. ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Jay Larranaga, Chris Copeland 

While Larranaga wasn't available for an interview, he told ESPNNewYork.com he's "really happy for the success Chris is having." Copeland also gives major props to Spencer for first connecting with Larranaga. "He's a great dude," the rookie said. "I wouldn't be here today without the work John has done. He played overseas and knows the business." ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Jay Larranaga, Chris Copeland 

Jessica Camerato: Celtics announce Jay Larranaga added to coaching staff as assistant coach. Twitter

Boston Celtics, Coaching, Jay Larranaga 

Jay Larranaga confirmed this morning he'll be an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics after two seasons as the head coach of the Erie BayHawks. "It's an opportunity to work for one of the most famous and most successful franchises in NBA history and to work for one of the best coaches in the world (in Doc Rivers)," said Larranaga, who was at the Erie Insurance Charity Challenge golf event today at the Kahkwa Club. GoErie.com

Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers, Coaching, Jay Larranaga 

Adrian Wojnarowski: The Boston Celtics have hired Jay Larranaga as an assistant coach, sources tell Y! Larranaga had been head coach of Erie in the D-League. Twitter

Boston Celtics, Coaching, Jay Larranaga 

The NBA Development League's Erie BayHawks named Jay Larranaga the team's next head coach, succeeding John Treloar (pictured) who was named the Director of Player Personnel for the Phoenix Suns last week. Larranaga, 35, had been hired as an assistant coach at Cornell University this spring but the chance to be the head coach in the D-League was apparently too good of an opportunity to pass up. "I am extremely excited to be the new head coach of the Erie BayHawks. I am grateful that Steve Demetriou, Owen McCormick and the ownership group has selected me to continue the progress made by Coach Treloar," Larranaga said in a press release issued by the team. "Together with (assistant coach) Ben McDonald, Matt Bresee and the rest of the BayHawks staff and I will work tirelessly to ensure the success of our team and franchise." FanHouse.com

Jay Larranaga 

The Erie BayHawks named Jay Larranaga their new head coach today. Larranaga, 35, most recently was an assistant coach at Cornell University. Earlier, he was a player-coach for the Irish National Team for two seasons. He replaces John Treloar, who last week took a job as the Phoenix Suns' director of player personnel. Larranaga played collegiate ball at Bowling Green State University (1993-97) and played by 12 years professionally overseas, including stints in Spain, France, Ireland and Greece. GoErie.com

Jay Larranaga