PROVIDENCE, R.I. – American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco has announced the hiring of Dan Leibovitz as Associate Commissioner for Men’s Basketball. Leibovitz will begin his duties at the Conference’s Annual Meetings in Key Biscayne, Florida, from May 28 to 30.
 
Leibovitz will be The American’s primary men’s basketball administrator and contact for all basketball initiatives and programs, including scheduling, officiating, operations and NCAA basketball relationships. As the commissioner’s liaison to the conference’s eleven men’s basketball programs, he will work closely with coaches and administrators from each of The American’s institutions. He will also supervise the annual men’s basketball championship, which will be played at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut next March and at the Amway Center in Orlando in 2016 and 2017.
 
"I am pleased to welcome Dan to our Conference," said Aresco. "He will be an outstanding addition to our senior staff and brings an extensive basketball background and expertise to The American. His combined collegiate and professional experience, as well as his energy, intelligence and commitment, will serve our institutions and their coaches and basketball staffs extremely well.”
 
Leibovitz most recently served as Assistant Coach, Player Development for the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats. His extensive college coaching resume includes serving as Assistant Coach at the University of Pennsylvania from 2010-12 and Head Coach at the University of Hartford from 2006-2010, where he was the fourth youngest coach in Division I when he was hired. At Hartford, he led the Hawks to the school’s best single-season win total and the team’s only appearance in the America East Championship Game.
 
Leibovitz began his coaching career at Temple University, where he worked from 1996-2006 under Naismith Hall of Fame Head Coach John Chaney. During Leibovitz’s time with the Owls, Temple made five NCAA Tournament appearances and advanced to the NCAA’s “Elite Eight” twice. He was promoted to Lead Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator in 2003.
 
Leibovitz holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania (1996) and earned a M. Ed in Sport and Recreation Administration from Temple University in 1998.
   
““I am very happy for Dan. The American Athletic Conference is getting a wonderful man and a great administrator. He meant so much to our program and was always thinking big. He has worked very hard to get to this point. This is a perfect position for Dan and he will work well with all of the conference’s coaches.”
-  John Chaney, Former Head Basketball Coach, Temple University (1982-2006)
and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinee
 
"Dan Leibovitz is an inspired choice for American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco. Dan was an excellent basketball coach in college and the NBA, and has a full understanding of the business of sports and the educational missions of the member institutions.  Dan is smart, trustworthy, and observant, and carefully considers the issues before taking a position.  The American has made a great hire with Dan Leibovitz."
-  Jay Bilas, Basketball Analyst, ESPN
 
“Dan Leibovitz is well prepared for this opportunity with the American Athletic Conference. He possesses an intellect that allows his organizational skills to bolster his significant sideline and on-floor experience. He will do an excellent job given his versatility within the industry.”
-  Sam Presti, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Oklahoma City Thunder
 
"Mike Aresco at The American has hired a great person to fill this very important role. Dan brings expertise and an understanding of the game that will be a tremendous asset to every aspect of this position.  He will command the respect and trust of all that are going to have the pleasure of working with him and make an immediate impact, as he has done throughout his career."
-  Linda Bruno, Former Commissioner, Atlantic 10 Conference (1994-2008)