PHOENIX, Ariz. - Appalachian State University alumus Alvin Gentry replaced fired head coach Terry Porter of the NBA's Phoenix Suns on Sunday night.

Gentry was a four-year member of the men's basketball team while in the High Country, and averaged 6.0 points and 2.0 rebounds per game with a career .493 shooting percentage.

The Suns are the fourth team he has led as a head coach. He served as coach for the Miami Heat in 1995, the Detroit Pistons from 1998-2000 and the Los Angeles Clippers from 2000-03.

Gentry played for Press Maravich his freshman and sophomore years before closing out his Mountaineer career for Bobby Cremins.

Cremins leads the College of Charleston Cougars into the Holmes Center Monday night for a 7:30 p.m. tilt with the Apps, while Gentry's Suns get their first challenge under the new head coach on Tuesday against the Clippers.