Jay Triano is a former professional basketball player and coach from Canada. He began his basketball career at Simon Fraser University, where he played for four years and set several records. After college, Triano played professionally in Mexico and Turkey before returning to Canada to play for the national team.
Triano's coaching career began in 1995 when he was hired as an assistant coach for the Vancouver Grizzlies. He later became the head coach of the team in 1998, making him the first Canadian-born head coach in NBA history. Triano also served as an assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors and the Portland Trail Blazers before becoming the head coach of the Canadian men's national basketball team in 2012.
As a coach, Triano is known for his ability to develop young players and his emphasis on team defense. He has also been praised for his work with the Canadian national team, which has seen significant improvement under his leadership. In 2015, Triano was named the head coach of the Phoenix Suns, becoming the first Canadian-born head coach in NBA history to lead a team on a full-time basis.
Throughout his career, Triano has been recognized for his contributions to basketball in Canada. He was inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 and was named the Canadian Men's National Team Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2017. Triano has also been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Special Olympics and the Canadian Cancer Society.
Overall, Jay Triano's basketball career has been marked by his dedication to the sport and his commitment to developing young players. As a player and coach, he has made significant contributions to the game of basketball in Canada and has helped to raise the profile of Canadian basketball on the international stage.
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