Byron Scott named 2007-08 National Basketball Assn. Coach of the

New Orleans CityBusiness, Apr 29, 2008

Byron Scott, head coach of the New Orleans Hornets, is the recipient of the Red Auerbach Trophy as the 2007-08 National Basketball Association Coach of the Year.

Scott is the first coach in the team's history to receive the honor.

He led the franchise to its first Southwest Division title and a franchise-best 56-win season.

The Hornets also broke a franchise record with 26 road wins, finishing at 26-15 on the road and winning 17 of their final 26 road games. The Hornets were 15-26 away from home a year ago.

"It is a tremendous honor to receive this prestigious award," Scott said. "I have to give a lot of credit to my assistant coaches, players, general manager and owner. It has been a wonderful season for us coming back home to New Orleans, and I am proud to be a part of this organization and to be the head coach of such a tremendous group of young men who excel both on and off the court."

"We are a very fortunate organization to have coach Scott leading our team," Hornets owner George Shinn said. "It has been a storybook season for us, and I am proud that Byron is being recognized for the great coaching job he has done for us not only this season, but for his career."

Scott was also named NBA Coach of the Month for January after leading the Hornets to a league-best 12-2 record.