American Robert Donewald Jr will take over as head coach of the Chinese national men's basketball team, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) announced Friday.

Robert Donewald?is named head coach of Chinese men's basketball team?Friday. [Sina.com.cn]

Donewald, who took the Shanghai Sharks to their first semifinals in eight years in this season's CBA playoffs, was offered a three-year contract with the first year on probation.

With two major tasks looming this year -- the world championship in August in Turkey and the Asian Games in November, Donewald vowed to bring the Chinese team to a new high.

"The opportunity really excites me and makes me very proud," the 40-year-old American told reporters.

"I understand that this is a difficult time and transitional period for the Chinese team. Without Yao Ming who is injured right now, we need to develop and get some young players with experiences.

"However, I am confident that the team will make the country proud. We will become a team that is very united and defence-minded with discipline."

Former national team coach Guo Shiqiang, who failed to help China defend its Asian championship title last year, will stay on at the national team as an assistant coach, the CBA said.

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming, who is still nursing a foot injury, could not return to action before the world championship and is likely to miss the Asian Games as well.