Mire Chatman Named Jr. Vipers Academy Manager of Basketball Operations

EDINBURG, Texas – DHR Sports Center announced the hiring of Mire Chatman as the organization’s new Manager of Basketball Operations.

In his new role, Chatman will oversee the youth basketball programs for DHR Sports Center alongside General Manager Andrew Garza.  Along with the Jr. Vipers Basketball Academy, the center is also home to Venom Volleyball Academy and Vipers Dance Academy, competitive and skills training youth programs.  The basketball organization also hosts various tournament-style monthly events in an effort to provide an opportunity for local and travel basketball teams to compete at a high level in first class facilities.

Chatman boasts an impressive basketball resume, most recently serving as the Player Development Coach for the 4-time NBA G-League Champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers organization throughout the 2022-23 season.

His extensive experience in youth basketball development has enabled him to previously own and operate a private youth basketball academy, Chatman Basketball Academy, for the past 8 years and has successfully led a multitude of teams to championship tournament wins.

The Garland, Texas native served a decorated basketball career at the University of Texas-Pan American (now UT-RGV) from 2000-2002, earning All-American Honorable Mention, Independent Player of the Year, Independent Defensive Player of the Year, and an induction into the UT-Pan American Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.  Statistically, he ranked third in NCAA scoring average (26.2) and third in steals per game (3.2) during his college career.  The 6’2″ point guard remains ranked in the NCAA Division I record books as a Top 5 scoring and steals leader.

In post collegiate competition, he played a lengthy professional career overseas in the Union of European Leagues of Basketball (ULEB); Chatman began his European basketball career at Latvian club BK Ventspils in 2002.  He continued at the club until 2004.  He went on to compete with French club Pau Orthez from 2004-05 in which he led the Euroleague in assists (6.2 per game).  The following season, he made the move to Russian club Dynamo Moscow, where he won the 2006 ULEB Cup (now known as the 7Days EuroCup).

Chatman raised his level of play in 2008-11 as he was named a top three player in scoring, assists, and steals while at Turkish club Besiktas Cola Turka; he played alongside American basketball legend Allen Iverson at Besiktas.

Overall, Mire Chatman achieved three team championships (2003, 2004, 2006) overseas, one Latvian Basketball League All-Star selection (2003) and two Turkish Basketball League All-Star selections (2010-2011) before retiring after a decorated 13-year professional career in December of 2014.  He was named as the All-Time leading scorer in EuroCup history (1,187 pts) on November 26, 2014 prior to his retirement.