UConn has hired a director of men's basketball strength and conditioning.

Carlos Daniel, a veteran of 17 years in fitness and athletic development in the collegiate and professional ranks, is the second new addition to the extended basketball staff in recent weeks, joining associate head coach Raphael Chillious.

Daniel replaces Travis Illian, who was let go last month.

In his last collegiate job, Daniel, 41, worked as the head strength and conditioning coach for the SMU basketball program during the 2015-16 season. His last position was with St. David's Healthcare, a medical center in Austin affiliated with the University of Texas, where he served as director of applied sports science.

"I'm really honored to be joining the UConn family," Daniel said in a release. "It's a tremendous opportunity for me and I'm humbled to become part of it."

Daniel, a former Washington State basketball forward and native of Louisville, Colo., has a resume that includes five years as the director of athletic development for New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA where he worked closely with all-star Anthony Davis. He also was on the strength and conditioning staff of the San Antonio Spurs in 2009-10.

"The experience that Carlos brings to our program in weight training and development at so many basketball levels is immeasurable," coach Kevin Ollie said. "His success throughout his career demonstrates how well he relates to the players he mentors. I'm excited to have him as a member of our UConn staff."

Daniel was inducted into the Pac-12 Men's Basketball Hall of Honor in March as Washington State's representative. He also spent seven years playing professional basketball, with stops in the CBA and overseas.

In other UConn news, departing center Amida Brimah will participate in the Portsmouth (Va.) Invitational, a senior showcase for professional basketball hopefuls, this week. Brimah's one of 64 participants in the event, which starts Wednesday.

Other former American Athletic Conference players include Troy Caupain (Cincinnati), the SMU duo of Sterling Brown and Ben Moore, and Damyean Dotson (Houston).

Brewster Academy guard Makai Ashton-Langford, who was recently released from his commitment to UConn, announced he will attend Providence College.