NBA: Magic sign up ex-Pacers coach Vogel

Miami: Frank Vogel, coach of the Indiana Pacers for the past five seasons, was named on Friday as coach of the Orlando Magic.

The 42-year-old American, also a former assistant coach with Philadelphia and Boston, replaced Scott Skiles, who resigned last week after the Magic went 35-47 in his only campaign as an NBA coach.

Orlando have endured four losing seasons in a row, but the Magic were 10 games better last season than the previous season and there is hope Vogel can make more progress. “This group is ready to make that next jump,” Vogel said. “My intention is to come in and make this happen for this group right away and make that jump (to the playoffs) this year.”