USA Basketball

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(Redirected from ABAUSA)

The governing body for international basketball competitions engaged in by the United States of America.

1 History
2 Teams/Competitions
- 2.1 Men's Basketball
- 2.2 Women's Basketball
3 External Links

History

The United States joined the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) as a member in 1934 and it was the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) that FIBA first recognized as the organization that was responsible for USA teams in international competitions.

Until 1974 when the Amateur Basketball Federation of the United States of America (ABAUSA) which later became USA Basketball was formed, various basketball organizations within the U.S. wrestled for control and recognition from FIBA and the U.S. Olympic Committee.

A struggle for control of the USA's international teams developed in the 1960s between the AAU and other U.S. basketball organizations.

It was in the early 1960s that an organization known as the Basketball Federation of the USA (BFUSA) was organized and began its push to be recognized by FIBA.

Consisting of representatives from the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations (NFSHSAA) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), BFUSA continued to push for recognition and support in its effort to replace the AAU as the FIBA recognized basketball federation in the United States.

Just prior to the 1972 Olympics, FIBA revoked its recognition of the AAU, and, rather than recognize BFUSA, instructed the United States to form a new organization containing representation from all U.S. basketball organizations.

So in 1974 ABAUSA was formed and officially recognized by FIBA and by the U.S. Olympic Committee. ABAUSA at that time consisted of representatives from the AAU, Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW), Collegiate Commissioners Association, Junior Pro Basketball Association, Inc., National Amateur Basketball Association, NABC, NAIA, NCAA, NFSHSAA, National Jewish Welfare Board, NJCAA, Women's Basketball Association of America, Inc., and the YMCA.

On January 1, 1975, ABAUSA officially took control with its offices located in Jacksonville, Illinois, and William Wall serving as its executive director.

The Amateur Sports Act of 1978 changed the dimension and importance of all U.S. National Governing Bodies, and in January 1979 ABAUSA relocated to the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

ABAUSA changed its name to USA Basketball on October 12, 1989, shortly after FIBA modified its rules to allow professional basketball players to participate in international competitions. USA Basketball then admitted the National Basketball Association (NBA) as an active member and made the name change.

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