McAvene named head coach for USA at the Men’s United Cup of Champions

SANTIAGO, Dominican Republic (December 28, 2023) – Universal Basketball Association announced today that Travis McAvene will coach the Craws' UBA Team, which is set to compete at the 2024 FIBA Men's United Cup January 8-12 in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

McAvene has previous international experience both as a General Manager and coach. He is a 2012 FIBA silver medalist. He also coached the USA and Tongo National Team between 2012-2019.

"On behalf of the UBA Basketball Team Committee, we are thrilled to have Travis McAvene leading this year's United Cup squad," said AJ Irwin, chair, UBA Gold Division. "UBA Basketball could not have chosen a more experienced head coach than Coach Travis to lead this team. He is a proven champ as a GM and coach."

In addition to Olympic silver (Taiwan), McAvene won gold at the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020 United Cup (Dominican Republic), 2019 Liga Mediterranean Cup (Spain) and 2020 in Toulouse, France.

McAvene, has won several national and international awards including AsiaBasket.com All-AsiaCup Best Coach, United Cup Superior Coach of the Year (4x), Eurobasket.com All-Liga Mediterranean Cup Best Coach and USA National Coach of the Year.

"I am thrilled to have been selected to coach the 2024 Claws team. Representing UBA is one of the highlights of my early career. I have been fortunate to do it on the NCAA level, US Minor League, FIBA and now professionally," McAvene said. "I look forward to working with this new generation of player. As a current General Manager in the Dominican Republic, I am always looking for talent. I am confident in the success this team will have as we come together in pursuit of gold!"

Since the event's inception in 2015, McAvene has captured five United Cup gold medals, including titles in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020.

For more information follow the United Cup of Champions at www.theunitedcup.com.