SEATTLE - P.J. Carlesimo, who was attacked by one of his own players during his last NBA head coaching job, was confirmed as the new head coach of the Seattle SuperSonics on Thursday.

Carlesimo, an assistant with NBA champions San Antonio Spurs the last five seasons, takes over from Bob Hill, who was sacked after the SuperSonics finished in last place in the Northwest Division with a record 31-51.

It is the third head coaching job for Carlesimo but the first since he left the Golden State Warriors (1997-2000) seven years ago where he was famously grabbed round the throat by Latrell Sprewell during a practise.

Carlesimo also served (1994-1997) as head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers.

"I am really excited with the opportunity to come to the Sonics," Carlesimo said on the Sonics Web site. "We have a talented young nucleus returning and an outstanding draft class."

The announcement of the signing comes just one day after the SuperSonics reached deals with Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, the second and fifth overall picks in last week's NBA draft.

Sonics chairman Clay Bennett said: "We believe P.J. is absolutely the right person for the job and is more than ready for the challenge."