The first New Zealander to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA) is set to become one of the assistant coaches of the San Antonio Spurs this coming 2013-14 season.

Sean Marks will now work with head coach Gregg Popovich in the sidelines after spending time in previous years as a member of the team’s front office, according to a report from Steve Aschburner from nba.com.

“I stayed in contact with Pop and R.C. [Buford] over the course of my career and I’m glad they found a place for me,” said Marks in an interview with stuff.co in May 2013.

Other assistant coaches on the Spurs’ bench are Jim Boylen and Ime Udoka.

Marks, who suited up for the Spurs franchise as a player for two seasons, served as the general manager for the Austin Toros, the Spurs’ team affiliate in the NBA Developmental League.

The Auckland, New Zealand, native played in the pro league for 11 seasons and had stints with the Toronto Raptors (1998-2000), Miami Heat (2001-03), Spurs (2004-06), Phoenix Suns (2006-08), New Orleans Hornets (2008-2010) and Portland Trail Blazers (2010-11).

The 6-foot-10 forward averaged 2.2 points and 2.8 rebounds per game in his NBA career but was known for his hustle and energy. Marks won an NBA championship with the Spurs in 2005, averaging 3.3 points, 2.4 rebounds in 10.6 minutes in 23 games.

Marks represented the New Zealand national team in 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. He was part of the fourth-place finish by the Kiwis at the 2002 FIBA World Championship in Indianapolis, USA.