BRA/ARG – Ex-Argentina boss Magnano replaces Moncho at helm of Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Ruben Magnano led Argentina to their finest hour with a gold-medal triumph at the 2004 Olympics.

Now he'll attempt to do the same with Brazil after being appointed coach of the South American giants as a replacement for Moncho Monsalve.

Veteran coach Moncho, who guided the Brazilians the past two years and led them to the FIBA Americas Championship crown last summer in Puerto Rico, was forced to have a back operation before Christmas.

The surgery has led to a change at the national team helm.

Magnano's first major task will be to lead Brazil at the FIBA World Championship in Turkey.

Brazil Basketball Confederation president Carlos Nunes confirmed the appointment of the 55-year-old Magnano in a statement.

"It was a long meeting," Nunes said of his negotiations with Magnano, "but we agreed on several issues and it was extremely positive.

"Magnano's contract will carry on until the pre-Olympic tournament of 2012 and could be extended until the Olympic Games of Rio in 2016.

"He's going to be in Brazil for 12 months and will help the development of our projects.

"We are beginning a new phase and we're going to keep Brazilian basketball among the best in the world."

Magnano guided Argentina to a runner-up finish against the former Yugoslavia at the 2002 FIBA World Championship in Indianapolis and two years later led the talented squad that included Manu Ginobili and Luis Scola to an Olympic championship in Athens.

He decided to pursue a coaching career in Europe after and was replaced by Sergio Hernandez at the helm of Argentina.

"Firstly, I would like to thank the CBB executives for the confidence they have shown in me," Magnano said.

"It is certainly a great challenge and an honor to be involved in the Brazil national team."

Brazil have endured their share of disappointments in the major international events in recent years.

At the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan, despite the presence of Leandro Barbosa, Anderson Varejao, Alex Garcia and Tiago Splitter, the side failed to progress from the Preliminary Round.

In Las Vegas the following year, they did not claim a top-two finish and missed out on the Beijing Games.

Brazil did well enough to earn a spot in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens but with Barbosa, Anderson and Nene unable to play, the team did not earn one of the three spots on offer for Beijing.

Last summer, Brazil beat hosts Puerto Rico in a thrilling title game at the FIBA Americas Championship.

At the FIBA World Championship in Turkey, they will play in Group B against the United States, Croatia, Tunisia, Slovenia and Iran.

"I have the support of the players, executives and all those who love Brazilian basketball in order to carry out my job," Magnano said.

"Brazil has great players who play inside and outside the country.

"I will travel and have conversations to know how each one is and what their aims are. I will also work with the youth section and will work with the National Coaching School."

FIBA