BEIJING - The former coach of Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) club Shanghai Sharks, Bob Donewald, has accepted an offer to lead last season's runner-up team, the Xinjiang Flying Tigers, the 41-year-old American said on Wednesday.

After his two-year contract with the Sharks expired last week, Donewald relinquished his job in Shanghai and speculation was rife that he would join Xinjiang for an attractive deal reportedly worth $1 million.

However, Donewald, who is also the national team coach, refused to comment on his new contract details, stressing the hope of a championship was the biggest lure to scoop him up.