George Gilmore, a star guard at Chaminade in the early 90's has been named head coach of the Hawai'i Mega Force.

The team, which will compete in the 54-team American Basketball Association, is in its first year of existence.

Team owner Orrys Williams announced his decision of Gilmore, along with longtime-Kamehameha Schools girls basketball coach, Clay Cockett as assistant coach, yesterday.

"We are blessed to have these two fine individual and coaches as part of the Hawai'i Mega Force," said Williams in a statement.

Williams said his familiarity with Gilmore made the decision simple.

"I know his game, I know his ability and I trust him with this team," he said. Williams said he knew Gilmore since his playing days at Santa Fe Junior College in Florida before he transferred to Chaminade, or "about 15 years."

"(Gilmore) played with alertness and quickness. He had all the tools to control the game," said Williams. "He'll bring a lot of good things to our team."

Gilmore was named the NCAA Division II Player of the Year during the 1991-1992 season while playing for the Silverswords.

Gilmore has no previous coaching experience, however, Williams said he has contributed to numerous youth camps on O'ahu. Gilmore played eight years in Europe, including stints in Italy, Germany, Turkey, France, Spain and Israel.

Gilmore most recently played for the Makai Hurricanes of the now-defunct Pacific Basketball League. He could not be reached for comment.

Cockett has coached at Kamehameha since 1997.

"Clay is a very respected amongst other coaches," said Williams.

The Mega Force will hold it's first tryouts Monday and Tuesday at Kalaheo High School. Interested players are asked to report by 10 a.m.