PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Portland Fire hired Alex Sarama as the franchise's first head coach Friday.

Sarama is currently an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Fire, who begin play next season, had leaked the hire a few days earlier on one of their social media pages.

“Alex represents the next generation of coaching,” Fire General Manager Vanja Černivec said. “He’s not just teaching the game, he’s transforming it. His approach to player development, grounded in evidence-based science, research and creativity, aligns with our vision to make Portland a global hub for innovation in women’s sports.”

Sarama worked with Černivec at the NBA Europe office in Madrid many years ago.

“The opportunity to build something from the ground up is unique,” Sarama said. “At the Fire, we’re

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