Ex-Knicks chief Thomas takes over at FIU

MIAMI (Reuters) - Twelve-times NBA All-Star Isiah Thomas was appointed as the new coach of Florida International University's (FIU) Golden Panthers on Tuesday.

"We are very excited to have such a legendary athlete and proven winner to lead our men's basketball program," FIU director of athletics Pete Garcia said in a statement.

"There is no doubt that Isiah will give FIU a tremendous opportunity to take the program to the highest level."

Garcia said the 47-year-old ex-New York Knicks head coach was the right man to turn around a basketball program which has struggled in recent years.

FIU had a losing record in each of the past five seasons and Thomas said he was relishing the chance to return to college basketball.

"It has always been a dream of mine and I didn't want to pass up an opportunity to go somewhere where we can build a basketball legacy together," he said in the statement.

As a point guard Thomas guided the Detroit Pistons to two NBA championships, then coached the Indiana Pacers before taking over in New York.

Thomas, who has also been a television commentator and a part owner of the Toronto Raptors, was effectively released by the Knicks in April 2008.

(Reporting by Simon Evans in Miami; editing by Pritha Sarkar)