August 29, 2007

     Dave Hopla To Join Wizards Staff

     The Washington Wizards announced the hiring of Dave Hopla as Assistant Coach/Player Development on Head Coach Eddie Jordan’s staff. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
     “Dave has an extensive coaching background and has proven to be very successful in working with and developing players throughout his career,” Jordan said. "Dave excels in working with players in developing their all-around game. He enjoys teaching the game of basketball and is a great addition to a very well-rounded staff.”
     Hopla, one of the top shooting instructors in the world, spent the 2006-07 season with the Toronto Raptors as a basketball development consultant. Prior to joining the Raptors staff on November 26, 2006, the Raptors ranked 24th in the NBA with a .439 field goal percentage through the first 13 games of the season. Under Hopla’s direction, the Raptors finished the season ranked 11th in the league with at .463 field goal percentage. Additionally, the Raptors recorded top 10 finishes in free throw percentage (2nd) and three-point field goal percentage (7th). Prior to joining the Raptors, Hopla worked with various players on both the professional and collegiate levels for over 18 years. He has instructed Wizards three-time All-Star guard Gilbert Arenas, nine-time All-Star guard Kobe Bryant, and seven-time All-Star guard Ray Allen, among others.