The USA Basketball Executive Committee has named Phoenix Suns Chairman and CEO Jerry Colangelo to the newly-created position of Managing Director of the USA Basketball Senior Men's National Team program for the 2005-2008 quadrennium, USA Basketball President Val Ackerman announced today at a press conference in Phoenix, Ariz.

Colangelo will assume responsibility for the selection of the USA senior men's team coaching staffs and players through 2008 and will oversee the teams' competitive preparations, including training and exhibition games.

During the 2005-2008 quadrennium, USA Basketball men's senior national teams are expected to compete in the 2006 FIBA World Championship (Aug. 19-Sept. 3 in Saitama, Japan), if necessary the 2007 FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament (dates and site TBD), and if the USA qualifies the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China (Aug. 8-24).

"I take on this responsibility with a great deal of commitment and passion.  My intent is to restore USA Basketball's role in international basketball and the status we once enjoyed," said Colangelo.  "With the increased international competition that exists, this will be a major challenge for us as we prepare for 2008 and the Olympics."