Former Oklahoma Sooners’ college basketball standout Eduardo Najera announced his retirement from the NBA on August 22. The player moves into a coaching role, taking the position on the Texas Legends coaching staff.
Najera was the first Mexican-born player drafted into the NBA and is the first Mexican-born coach in the NBA’s developmental league. Najera also receives an ownership stake in the team, which is co-owned by Dallas Mavericks’ president Donnie Nelson. Najera also receives a Mavericks’ front office job.
"This is a dream come true," Najera said. "I have long wondered what would be in store for me when I hung up the basketball playing shoes, and this is the perfect opportunity for my post-playing career. The chance to develop as a coach, while also assisting Mark (Cuban) and Donnie with the Mavs, is an ideal situation."
Najera arrived at OU in 1995, and after a redshirt year when he learned the English language, turned into one of Head Coach Kelvin Sampson’s star players. He averaged 13.1 points and 7.2 rebounds over his four-year career in Norman. OU made it to four straight NCAA Tournaments while Najera was there.
In his 12 years in the NBA, Najera played for five teams, including twice with the Dallas Mavericks. He averaged 4.7-points and 3.9-rebounds over his career.
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