New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Isiah Thomas announced today that Hall-of-Famer Larry Brown has been named the franchise's 22nd head coach in the team's 59-year history.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"This is a great day for the New York Knicks and our fans," Thomas said.

"Larry Brown is not just one of the best coaches in the NBA today, but in its history. He has made every team he has ever coached a winner, with a legendary approach to teaching and motivating his players. His value to us as a franchise at this time is immeasurable."

"I want to thank Isiah, Jim Dolan and Steve Mills, as well as all the Knicks fans who have given me their best wishes during this time," Brown said.

"There is no bigger stage than Madison Square Garden, and it is a privilege for me and my family to now be part of the organization and to be back in New York."  

At various times, Brown seemed to be overwhelmed by the fanfare and attention which consummated a whirlwind courtship by MSG brass since the coach severed his relationship with the Detroit Pistons.  

On a few occasions, Brown could be seen releasing a deep breath and when he took the podium after Thomas' gushing introduction, the new Knicks' coach spoke in hushed tones.  Also, he looked nervously up at the television monitor above him playing a "Welcome Home" music video which was prepared by MSG's PR department.

Brown, who said that it felt natural to finally return home to the city in which he grew up, told the media that New York would be the last coaching stop on his long NBA journey.

Considered one of the greatest teachers the sport has ever seen, Brown has garnered numerous distinctions over his 33-years of head coaching experience. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002, the Brooklyn, NY-native is the NBA's fourth all-time winningest coach in NBA history with a record of 987-741 (.571), third all-time winningest playoff coach in NBA history with a 100-89 record (.529), 2001 NBA Coach of Year and three-time ABA Coach of the Year.

In 2004, Brown became the first head coach in basketball history to win an NBA Championship and NCAA Championship. In 1988, he coached the University of Kansas to its first National Championship in 36 years and most recently, in 2004, the 64-year-old led the Detroit Pistons to its first NBA title in 14 years.

The press conference was replete with ample praise for the gentlemanly behavior and team-first attitude displayed by former coach Herb Williams as developments unfolded around him.