Lenny Wilkens has been named President of Basketball Operations for the Seattle Sonics it was confirmed today by the Chairman of the Professional Basketball Club (PBC), Clay Bennett, the group that owns the Sonics and Storm.

Wilkens will also remain vice chairman of PBC and will continue to report directly to Bennett. As president of basketball operations, Wilkens will play a key role in the search for a new general manager and head coach for the Seattle Sonics, and will provide counsel on basketball matters and opportunities.

He will work closely with Bennett to help advise and identify the best qualified persons for these two key positions in the organization. The final decision on the selection of a new general manager and coach will rest with Bennett and the ownership group.

“Lenny is a tremendous asset to our organization and he has proven to be an invaluable advisor in his role as vice chairman,” Bennett said. “Lenny’s experience and insights into the NBA and professional basketball will be very helpful during this transitional period. Lenny and the other members of our basketball operations group will be working with me to improve the team and return the Sonics to prominence in the league.”