Colangelo States Desire To Remain USA Basketball Chair Through '16 Rio Olympics

Jerry Colangelo "in all likelilhood ... will remain chairman of USA Basketball through the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics,” according to Jeff Zillgitt of USA TODAY. Colangelo said, "I've decided I'm going to continue. I'm committed to our organization during this transition period. I want to make sure, as good as things are, that once the baton is handed over to someone it's in even better shape. That's the plan for these next four years.” He said that his decision “was not influenced" by FIBA's decision not to ask the IOC "to make the men's competition an under-23 event.” Zillgitt noted for Colangelo to continue as chairman there is “a formal procedure, based on USA Basketball's constitution, that must be followed,” and Colangelo “must be nominated for a spot on the board of directors for the 2013-16 quadrennial.” Colangelo said that he “has been assured a spot.” USA Basketball's new BOD is “expected to be named by early 2013, and it will elect a chairman.” Given Colangelo's “desire to return and the success of the senior and junior programs, it's unlikely someone else will be named chairman.” He said, "What's important is to maintain the credibility and sustainability of USA Basketball. You've got to keep it going. I want to make sure the transition is a seamless transition over a period of time. If someone is there ready to take over after 2016, that's the right timing" (USATODAY.com, 9/1).

SHIFTING GEARS: The AP's Tim Reynolds reported IndyCar team Owner Bobby Rahal "has agreed to become chairman of the recently created USA Bobsled and Skeleton Foundation, where he will help oversee fundraising and development efforts for the sliding sports." Rahal said that he is "committed to the foundation for 'a long time,' which likely means through at least the 2014 Sochi Olympics." Rahal and the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation -- the foundation will "operate as a separate nonprofit organization -- began talks more than a year ago, after an introduction through mutual team sponsor BMW" (AP, 8/31).