The Calgary Surge of the Canadian Elite Basketball League have made a significant addition to their coaching staff, announcing the appointment of Perry Huang as their new head coach. Huang brings a wealth of experience to the role, having secured championships in both the WNBA and NBA G League during his coaching career.
A Proven Champion Joins the Surge
Perry Huang arrives in Calgary with an impressive resume that spans more than a decade in professional basketball. Currently serving as an assistant coach for the South Bay Lakers, the NBA G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers, Huang expressed his enthusiasm for the new opportunity.
"I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead this group in Calgary," Huang stated. "The Surge have built something special on and off the floor — passionate fans, an award-winning front office, and an exciting roster. My staff and I are excited to get to work and push this organization over the edge and claim our first championship."
Extensive Coaching Background
Huang's coaching journey began in 2014 when he joined the Santa Cruz Warriors as an associate. His impact was immediate, as he helped Golden State's affiliate secure the NBA G League championship the following season. This early success set the stage for a career marked by consistent achievement.
From 2018 to 2024, Huang worked year-round across both the G League and WNBA. During traditional basketball seasons, he contributed to G League systems with organizations including the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans. Simultaneously, he spent each WNBA season on staff with the Seattle Storm, where he played a crucial role in their championship victories in 2018 and 2020 as an assistant coach and video coordinator.
Player Development Expertise
One of Huang's most notable strengths lies in his ability to develop elite talent. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with some of the most accomplished players in WNBA history, including:
- Sue Bird — WNBA Hall of Famer and Olympic gold medallist
- Jewell Loyd — Six-time WNBA all-star and Olympic gold medallist
- Ezi Magbegor — WNBA all-star and four-time WNBA all-defensive team selection
Breanna Stewart, WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medallist, praised Huang's coaching abilities, saying, "Perry's love for the game shows through his work. His competitive nature cannot be taught and thrives on getting the best out of his players. I'm really excited to continue to watch Perry's coaching journey."
Why Huang Was Selected
The Calgary Surge's basketball leadership team, consisting of team president Dylan Howe, general manager Shane James, and senior adviser Konchalski, conducted a competitive interview process before selecting Huang. The decision came after learning that 2025 head coach Kaleb Canales would be unable to return due to his commitment to Troy University in the NCAA.
"We are excited to welcome Perry to Calgary," Howe said. "Perry's background in player development, his experience in high-performance environments, and his championship pedigree make him the right leader at the right time for us."
Educational and Playing Background
Huang is a graduate of Fresno Pacific University, where he played collegiately before transitioning into coaching. This combination of playing experience and extensive coaching background provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the game from multiple perspectives.
The Calgary Surge organization believes Huang's unique blend of championship experience, player development skills, and competitive drive will help elevate the team as they pursue their first CEBL championship. His appointment represents a strategic move to strengthen the team's coaching leadership with proven professional basketball expertise.
