Last Game on Bench for Unseld

Washington Bullet Coach Wes Unseld shocked a capacity crowd by announcing his retirement from coaching moments after his team defeated Charlotte, 117-99, in the season finale Sunday.

“What I planned to do was to announce to the players that this was my last game as head coach,” Unseld said to the 18,756 in attendance, “but I thought it would be more fitting to tell you--the fans--first.

“You’ve been very patient, kind and very encouraging, and I wanted to say thank you. I also want to say I don’t know what people hope for in life, but I hoped for an opportunity.”

The 48-year-old Hall of Fame center said he is ending his seven-year tenure--the longest of any active head coach--but will continue his duties as vice president of the team and Centre Group Partnership, the umbrella organization that guides the Bullets, the NHL Capitals, Centre Management and TicketMaster.

“I think he did it the way he wanted to,” guard Rex Chapman said. “He’s a man I’ll always look up to. He’s probably the most respected person in this league.”

Unseld will perhaps best be remembered as a teaching coach, working hands-on with his players and helping guide Harvey Grant (1989) and Pervis Ellison (1992) to Most Improved Player honors. Don MacLean is considered a top candidate to win the award this year.

Unseld was 202-345 in his seven years as coach and made the playoffs only once, but he never lost the respect of his players.

The injury-riddled team limped to a 24-58 mark this season.

As for a replacement, John Nash, Bullet vice president and general manager, said the search is in its preliminary stages.