Jeff Van Gundy has been appointed head coach of the United States’ men’s team for the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) AmeriCup 2017 and World Cup 2019 qualifiers.
The 55-year-old from California has coached at the highest level, leading two teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Van Gundy was head coach of the New York Knicks between 1996 and 2001 and the Houston Rockets from 2003 to 2007.
“I’m absolutely honored and humbled to be able to represent my country and USA Basketball in this summer’s AmeriCup and the upcoming World Cup qualifiers,” Van Gundy said.
“I have a lot to learn about FIBA basketball and our competition and I can’t wait to get started.”
This year’s AmeriCup will take place between August 25 and September 3 and Van Gundy will be assisted by Ty Ellis and Mo McHone.
The US will be part of Group C in Montevideo in Uruguay against Panama, the hosts and the Dominican Republic.
Van Gundy will also lead the US when the team begins its qualification campaign for the 2019 World Cup in China with a visit to Puerto Rico on November 23.
Mexico then travels to the US on November 26 before further home matches next year against Cuba on February 23 and Puerto Rico on February 26.
The third and final preliminary round window sees the US travel to Mexico on June 28 and Cuba on July 1 next year.
The US has won the past two World Cups, in Turkey 2010 and Spain in 2014.
“USA Basketball is excited and appreciative that coach Van Gundy is willing to undertake this challenge and help lead the United States in these competitions,” added Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball men’s national team managing director.
“Qualifying for the 2019 FIBA World Cup is the first step in our attempt to repeat as gold medalist, and we’re delighted that we were able to secure a coach of Jeff’s caliber to lead these US teams.”
By Max Winters
Republished with permission from insidethegames.biz.