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The Toronto Raptors announced Tuesday that Sam Mitchell has been named as the team’s new head coach. Mitchell becomes Toronto’s sixth head coach after serving as assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks the past two seasons. His contract runs through the 2006-07 season.

“Sam Mitchell embodies all the characteristics that are consistent with the basketball philosophy we’re building with the Toronto Raptors—an outstanding work ethic, strong character, mental toughness, and a commitment to team values,” said Rob Babcock, general manager of the Raptors. “Sam is an intelligent person who will be able to lead and motivate our players. He has excellent communications skills. He’s also a good person who is active in the community and will represent our organization well.”

Mitchell, 40, had recently joined the expansion Charlotte Bobcats as lead assistant under head coach Bernie Bickerstaff. While in Milwaukee, the Bucks reached the playoffs in both of his seasons on the bench, finishing with a 41-41 record in 2003-04. Bucks head coach Terry Porter finished third in balloting for NBA Coach of the Year.

“This is an opportunity that offers a lot of potential, and I’m excited to be stepping into my first head coaching situation with an organization that is fully committed to winning,” said Mitchell. “My thanks go to Rob Babcock and the Raptors ownership for having the confidence in me to lead this team. Our fans will see a team that is going to be well prepared, and that will compete hard on the court game in and game out.

“We are already establishing a plan and a philosophy for taking this organization forward. I’m excited about what lies ahead for the Raptors and our fans.”

Mitchell’s 13-year NBA playing career began with the expansion Minnesota Timberwolves during the 1989-90 season, and he remained with the Timberwolves until being acquired by Indiana in 1992. He re-signed with Minnesota as a free agent in 1995 and remained with the club until his retirement in 2002. Selected in the third round (54th overall) by Houston in the 1985 NBA Draft, Mitchell played three seasons in the Continental Basketball Association and two in France’s top professional league before reaching the NBA.

In 994 regular season and 59 post-season NBA games, Mitchell averaged 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists, topping Minnesota’s all-time list in games played with 757. He ranks second on the Timberwolves’ career lists for points (7,161), free throws made (1,773), field goals made (2,664), rebounds (3,030) and steals (449).

The all-time leading scorer at Mercer University with 1,986 points, Mitchell finished his college career by being named the Trans-America Athletic Conference (TAAC) Player of the Year his senior season. He led Mercer to the conference title and an NCAA berth that year before going on to earn most valuable player honors at the annual Portsmouth Invitational Tournament pre-draft camp. He was a two-time first team TAAC selection during his collegiate career.