In introducing former assistant Randy Ayers Friday as the 18th head coach in franchise history, the 76ers tried to send a message loud and clear. Ayers, team officials said, was not a consolation prize.

Billy King, the Sixers' president and general manager, said that he had become more enamored with Ayers as the drawn-out process to find Larry Brown's successor unfolded. Brown, who coached the Sixers to a 255-205 record in six seasons, resigned on May 26.

The Sixers put up a united front at the First Union Center, where Ayers, who had served as an assistant to Brown in those seasons, inherited the reins of a team that finished 48-34 last season. Terms of his contract were not disclosed.

Many key players on the team, including star guard Allen Iverson, attended Friday's news conference. If the Sixers display that much teamwork next season, the NBA champion San Antonio Spurs might have something to worry about.

"I think it is a great situation for us," Iverson said. "It's perfect. This is definitely what I wanted."