Santo Domingo.- “I want a united team,” were the first words that most impressed the officials and sports leaders present when John Calipari was introduced as the new coach of Dominican Republic’s national basketball team.

Until yesterday when he met with president Leonel Fernandez, few Dominicans had ever heard of the former University of Kentucky coach.

“Buenos dias” (good morning) came a close second as he flexed his Spanish muscles, drawing the applause and laughs.

Calipari, a former university player, clearly stated his mail goal with the Dominican team: “To win,” and, “to promote the development of basketball beyond the national team, help develop it in its lowest level and help lift the sport.”