Legends Announce Coaching, Basketball Operations Staff
By Texas Legends Staff /November 4, 2021
The Texas Legends have announced their basketball operations staff for the 2021-22 season, led by returning GM Al Whitley and Head Coach George Galanopoulos. The team also welcomes back Nelson Terroba, while introducing two new assistant coaches – Cameron Black and Alex Cerda – and two basketball operations staff – Jonathon Gryniewicz and Corey Wheeler – as well as new Athletic Trainer Ashley Rudolph.
“I’m extremely excited to be a part of another incredible staff this season,” said Galanopoulos. “It’s a selfless group of people with no agenda other than to help others be better and positively impact the community.”
Nelson Terroba enters his second season with the Legends, having been promoted to Associate Head Coach. Terroba has worked at every level of the game of basketball and will enter his fourth season in the G League. Prior to joining the Legends, Terroba spent two seasons in Canada as the head coach and general manager of the NBL’s Saint John Riptide.
“Nelson is one of the best coaches and teachers of the game I’ve been around, and I’m thrilled he’ll be joining us again,” Galanopoulos said. “More importantly, he’s a great friend whose loyalty and trustworthiness is second to none.”
Cameron Black played college basketball for Bowling Green State University before joining the University of Akron staff as a graduate assistant. The Ohio native spent two seasons in Player Development with the Atlanta Hawks and then moved into his first coaching role with the Erie Bayhawks. In the 2019-20 season, Black was an assistant for the Grand Rapids Drive where he helped coach centers and assisted in two NBA Call-Ups.
“Cam not only brings a diverse basketball background and knowledge but also a calm presence that makes you want to be around him every day. He will be extremely valuable to the team and our culture in every way, shape, and form.”
Alex Cerda started his basketball career at the University of Texas where he served as a student manager under Shaka Smart. After graduation, Cerda joined the Fort Wayne Mad Ants as the Head Video Coordinator and Director of Player Development. He then spent two seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers in the video department before reuniting with fellow Longhorn alum Terroba in Texas.
“Alex is one of the most consistent workers and people I know. His even keel, consistent approach will help all our players and staff reach their potential."
Jonathon Gryniewicz enters his first season with the Legends as the Director of Basketball Operations. Gryniewicz graduated from Michigan State University where he served as the head manager of the women’s basketball program. During his tenure, the Spartans won the 2014 Big Ten Conference championship. The Michigan native went on to become the Director of Scouting and Recruiting Innovation for Oakland University’s men’s basketball program before joining the Grand Rapids Drive last season as Director of Basketball Operations.
“Jonathon’s diverse skill set and willingness to help in any way embodies the selflessness we’re all about here. He is someone we all lean on heavily to help us improve in all areas as an organization.”
Corey Wheeler played college basketball at Albion College. Joining Oakland University as a graduate assistant, the Michigan native worked his way to a full-time video coordinator with the Golden Bears.
“Corey is the foundation piece of our basketball operations firing on all cylinders. There is no one more fit to do a job that requires wearing multiple hats than he is. We’re very lucky to have such a special person and professional.”
Ashley Rudolph was an athletic training student for four years at Michigan State before continuing her work at the University of South Carolina as a graduate assistant. Rudolph was a corporate wellness and fitness specialist before returning to the collegiate ranks, working at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond University, and UMass Lowell. The Michigan native comes to the Legends after five years as an athletic assistant at the University of Nebraska.
“Ashley has a wealth of experience that will benefit our team and staff tremendously in injury prevention and performance optimization. Her experience in both the athletic training and wellness spaces will make her an invaluable resource to our team.”
The Legends will hit the road for their first matchup of the season against the Lakeland Magic. The two teams will meet in a double-header Nov. 5th and 6th at 6pm CT. Texas will then host the Birmingham Squadron in their home opener the following weekend with a back-to-back Nov. 12th and 13th at 7:30pm at the Comerica Center. For tickets or information call 214-469-0822 or visit www.TexLegends.com.
Legends Basketball Operations Staff
General Manager: Al Whitley
Head Coach: George Galanopoulos
Associate Head Coach: Nelson Terroba
Assistant Coach: Cameron Black
Assistant Coach: Alex Cerda
Director of Basketball Operations: Jonathon Gryniewicz
Basketball Operations: Corey Wheeler
Athletic Trainer: Ashley Rudolph