Mohegan — Steve Smith, an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Sparks last season, was named to a similar role with the Connecticut Sun on Saturday night, the WNBA team announced.

Curt Miller, the Sun's new head coach, served with Smith as assistants under Los Angeles head coach Brian Agler last season.

"This is an amazing opportunity, and I cannot wait to get started," Smith said in a statement released by the Sun. "I worked with Curt last year, and we share a lot of the same thoughts on coaching the game. The Sun roster is young and talented, and I look forward to helping Curt achieve his goal of bringing a WNBA title to Connecticut."

Smith has been a coach for 25 years, working at the high school, college and professional levels. He spent nine seasons as an assistant in the WNBA with Phoenix, Los Angeles and Detroit.

"Steve is a veteran coach who brings significant WNBA experience to our team," Miller said. "He has the ability to build strong relationships with players and is respected by the coaches across the league. Steve and I share many of the same coaching philosophies and think the game alike. I am looking forward to working with Steve and watching him have an impact on the organization."