Travis McAvene, a former professional coach and experienced front-office executive, was named to the position yesterday afternoon.

McAvene, 43, was the head coach of Santiago Basket for the least four seasons of the United Cup of Champions.  He led the Dominican club to three titles in four seasons.  The Summer of 2021 he was named Latinbasket.com All-United Cup Coach of the Year.  

He was hired for his recent front-office positions, both of which came with fairly successful franchises.

McAvene joined the USA National Team as a scout in 2011 and was later promoted to the head coach, a position he held for three years.  He helped the American squad earn a Silver Medal in the 2012 FIBA Jones Cup in Taipei, Taiwan. 

After a great summer, McAvene was offered several coaching jobs in Saudi Arabia, Japan, Romania and Dominican Republic.  He would select a four-year contract from Santiago Basket.  

Santiago Basket, though, feel they have the right man for the job.

"After a thorough search, we believe we have found the perfect choice to serve as our general manager," Santiago Basket President of Basketball Operations Juan Martinez said on the team's website. "Travis McAvene is a first-rate talent evaluator, basketball executive and person. We are thrilled that he will be joining us for the LDC."

He has scouting experience as well as assistant GM capabilities.

Can he take the next step and put it all together to bring a title in the competitive LDC?