The newest professional basketball team in Saint John has hired a key player.

Rob Spon has been named head coach of the Saint John Union.

Eastern Canadian Basketball League (ECBL) officials made the announcement Friday.

President Tim Kendrick said they are thrilled to have Spon join the league.

“He has a wealth of pro experience in leagues throughout North America, and is a proven winner,” said Kendrick in a news release.

“He also has a great understanding of what our league is trying to build for our communities within the Maritimes.”

Spon’s name might sound familiar to many in the Saint John region, and for good reason.

He was previously head coach of the Saint John Mill Rats, which later became known as the Saint John Riptide.

“After our first conversation, I knew Coach Spon was the right man for this job,” said Ravi Verma, executive officer of the ECBL.

“With his experience and his focus on building up the community through the sport of basketball, this was a slam dunk.”

The Saint John Union was the second franchise announced in the ECBL, which now has seven teams. Other New Brunswick teams include the Moncton Motion and Bathurst Bears.

The league’s inaugural season is set to begin in March. The Saint John Union will play at TD Station.