Marks Continues Quest To Take Nets Beyond Brooklyn

Nets GM Sean Marks - @BrooklynNets

In his quest to build the Nets into a model franchise, General Manager Sean Marks has stressed how he wants his team to be the leader in scouting in the United States and beyond.

Marks furthered that goal on Monday when he named Gianluca Pascucci as director of global scouting and BJ Johnson as coordinator of player evaluation.

“We are thrilled to add Gianluca and BJ to our front office,” said Marks. “Collectively, they bring valuable experiences that cross many platforms and their extensive knowledge of both the NBA and the global game will be tremendous assets to our scouting department. Both will be excellent additions to our culture and we are excited about welcoming them to Brooklyn.”

Pascucci joins the Nets after spending the past four years as vice president of player personnel for the Houston Rockets. During his time in Houston, he also served as the general manager of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the D-League affiliate of the Rockets.

It marked Pascucci’s second stint in Houston, as he previously served as the team’s international scout for six seasons, from 2002 to 2008.

Prior to rejoining the Rockets, Pascucci spent four years in Italy with Olimpia Milano from 2008-12. His most recent role with the team was general manager and CEO.

Pascucci also possesses over 12 years of international coaching experience, including serving as an assistant coach with Scavolini Pesaro’s senior team in the Italian A-1 League and Euroleague. The Pesaro, Italy, native also spent four years as the team’s scout.

William "BJ" Johnson joins Brooklyn’s staff after spending the past six years as USA Basketball’s assistant men’s national team director. Johnson worked with all levels of USA Basketball men's teams, with his primary focus on developing the USA Basketball Men's Junior National Team program.

Johnson began his career with USA Basketball in 2005 as manager of competitive programs, where he was involved with all facets of the men’s and women’s programs, including player personnel and basketball operations during trials, training camps and competitions.

Johnson graduated from Villanova in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He was a member of the Wildcats’ basketball team and a three-time selection to the Big East Academic All-Star Team.