The New York Knicks have hired Kentucky associate head coach Kenny Payne as an assistant coach, sources tell ESPN.
Payne, 53, is the first formal addition to new coach Tom Thibodeau's coaching staff with the Knicks.
Payne has been an assistant with Kentucky coach John Calipari for a decade. Payne has a long history and strong relationship with Knicks management, including President Leon Rose and Senior VP William Wesley.
Payne played four seasons in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers (1989-1993) after winning a national championship at the University of Louisville.