The Chinese Basketball Association named YAO MING its new president. Yao "previously served as president and owner of the CBA’s Shanghai Sharks, his team before becoming the first pick in the 2002 NBA Draft." His presence at the top of the CBA's hierarchy "brings instant international name recognition to the league" (YAHOO, 2/23). Ming called for "urgent" reform and said that he was "facing a multitude of problems." He said, "At the moment, the most urgent matter is the reform of the CBA, which we must set on a virtuous cycle that will increase our influence and vitality, and bring new ideas to the fore. The biggest problem is that there is no 'biggest problem.' The problems are everywhere. I believe this is a common thing to encounter in the process of reform" (AFP, 2/23). ... Spanish second division side Real Zaragoza named LALO ARANTEGUI its sporting director. Arantegui currently works for Spanish second division side Huesca. He replaces NARCISO JULIÁ (MARCA, 2/23). ... SUBAHAN KAMAL has been elected the new FA of Selangor president. The 52-year-old replaces AZMIN ALI, who resigned last year (NEW STRAIT TIMES, 2/23). ... NBC Sports Regional Networks and NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations announced WALTER CADE has been promoted to senior VP of sales, NBC Sports Regional Networks. In this new role, Cade will be responsible for managing revenue across the NBC regional sports networks. He will also work with NBCUniversal’s 29 NBC and Telemundo-owned local stations on multi-market and individual cross-platform sales. Cade will report to NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations CRO & Commercial Operations President FRANK COMERFORD (NBCUniversal).
YOUTH MOVEMENT: NBA L.A. Clippers player PAUL PIERCE announced that he will be a founding member of the Jr. NBA China Leadership Council, which will promote participation in youth basketball. Actor and singer KRIS WU and current NBA players MIKE CONLEY of the Memphis Grizzlies, AARON GORDON of the Orlando Magic, ZACH LAVINE of the Minnesota Timberwolves, JEREMY LIN of the Brooklyn Nets and C.J. MCCOLLUM of the Portland Trail Blazers will also serve as council members (ESPN.com, 2/23).
COACHES/MANAGERS: The Spanish Handball Federation (RFEBM) named CARLOS VIVER coach of the women's national team. Viver, who currently leads Spanish Handball League (ASOBAL) club Granollers, will replace JORGE DUEÑAS (MUNDO DEPORTIVO, 2/23). ... Former Australian footballer MEHMET DURAKOVIC has been appointed Malaysia Super League side Perak coach after KARL HEINZ-WEIGANG "officially left the silver state side on Wednesday" (ESPN.com, 2/23). ... EPL side Leicester City parted company with Manager CLAUDIO RANIERI. Ranieri, appointed in July '15, led the club to the Premier League title in '16. Assistant Manager CRAIG SHAKESPEARE and coach MIKE STOWELL will take charge until a new manager is appointed (Leicester City).
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