Donovan returns to coach USA Basketball Men’s U18 team
By Jeff Adcox
After successfully coaching the 2012 and 2013 USA Basketball Men’s National Teams to gold medals, University of Florida head coach Billy Donovan will return to lead the 2014 USA Basketball Men’s Under-18 (U18) National Team at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship.
The United States Olympic Committee announced the appointment earlier today.
"“Coach Donovan is not only one of the great college basketball coaches but he has proven to be successful with USA Basketball as well,” said Jim Boeheim, head coach at Syracuse University and chair of the USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team Committee, which is responsible for selecting the USA men’s U18 coaching staff. “The U18 team will be well prepared for international competition.”"
Donovan led the 2012 Men’s U18 team to a 5-0 record in capturing the gold for the U.S. This qualified the team to compete in the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship. Again, Donovan led the team to gold, this time going 9-0 in tournament play.
Donovan was named the 2013 USA Basketball co-National Coach of the Year, and his U19 squad was named the 2013 USA Basketball Team of the Year.
"“I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with USA Basketball again this summer,” Donovan said. “I’ve said it before, but anytime you are chosen to represent your country, that is really something special. USA Basketball is an outstanding organization, and I’m looking forward to another challenge at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship.”"