Norm Sonju is a former basketball player, coach, and executive who has made significant contributions to the sport. He began his career as a player at the University of Denver, where he was a standout athlete. After college, he played professionally in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and the American Basketball Association (ABA).
Sonju's coaching career began in the CBA, where he led the Anchorage Northern Knights to a championship in 1978. He then moved on to the NBA, where he served as an assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks and the Seattle SuperSonics. In 1988, he became the first head coach of the Mavericks, leading the team to its first playoff appearance in 1990.
After his coaching career, Sonju became an executive in the NBA, serving as the president and general manager of the Mavericks from 1991 to 1996. During his tenure, he helped build the team into a playoff contender, acquiring key players such as Jason Kidd and Jamal Mashburn.
Sonju's contributions to the sport of basketball extend beyond his coaching and executive roles. He was instrumental in the creation of the CBA, serving as the league's first commissioner from 1978 to 1984. He also played a key role in the development of the NBA's minor league system, which has become an important pipeline for young players to develop their skills and eventually make it to the NBA.
Throughout his career, Sonju has been recognized for his contributions to the sport of basketball. He was inducted into the University of Denver Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995 and the CBA Hall of Fame in 2010. He was also named the NBA Executive of the Year in 1994.
Overall, Norm Sonju's basketball career has been marked by success and innovation. From his early days as a player to his later roles as a coach and executive, he has made significant contributions to the sport and helped shape the way it is played and managed today.
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