PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns hired Cleveland Cavaliers assistant basketball coach Jordan Ott as their head coach, opting for a young, emerging leader to rebuild a franchise that has regressed over the past few seasons.

That’s according to a person familiar with the search who spoke Wednesday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the hire hasn’t officially been announced.

Ott, a Penn State graduate as well as a McConnellsburg High School graduate, will be the team’s fourth head coach in four seasons and replaces Mike Budenholzer, who was fired following a miserable 36-46 season.

The 40-year-old Ott has worked for the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and the Cavaliers.

All-Star game change on way

OKLAHOMA CITY — The NBA is working on a plan to turn next season’s All-Star Game into a U.S.-vs.-world competition.

That’s according to a person with knowledge of the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the league has not made any final determinations.

Speaking to FS1 earlier Wednesday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was asked if U.S. vs. the world was possible, and he said, “Yes.”

Silver has talked about such a game on several occasions. International players have spoken enthusiastically about the possible format. The NHL had success with countries competing against each other at the 4 Nations Face-off.