TORONTO - Canada's biggest basketball star has been hired to head up its men's national program.
Steve Nash was named general manager of Canada Basketball's senior men's team Tuesday.
The sport's national governing body has had the two-time NBA MVP from Victoria in its sights for some time to head up a program that hasn't made an Olympic appearance since the 2000 Games in Sydney.
Nash led Canada to a seventh-place finish in Sydney, with Jay Triano as coach.
The men's team has been without a head coach since Leo Rautins resigned in September following Canada's disappointing performance at the FIBA Americas Olympic qualifying tournament.
Rowan Barrett was also hired Tuesday and will serve as Nash's assistant general manager.
Canada's women's team also hasn't played in the Olympics since Sydney, but still have a chance to qualify for the 2012 London Games.
They'll play in a last-chance qualifying tournament next month in Turkey.
The 38-year-old Nash was already a member of Canada Basketball's Council of Excellence.
