OFFICIAL: Pitino new Panathinaikos boss

Rick Pitino has signed a contract with Panathinaikos until 2021, the club have confirmed.

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On Tuesday afternoon, Panathinaikos released this following statement:

“Panathinaikos BC announces that coach Rick Pitino has signed a contract until the summer of 2021.”

Pitino, 67, had been pictured arriving at Athens International Airport earlier in the day.

The legendary American coach will be at the helm when Panathinaikos face Baskonia at the OAKA Indoor Hall in the EuroLeague on Thursday. The Athenians currently possess a 6-4 record in the competition.

Giorgos Vovoras has been the temporary boss since the sacking of Argyris Pedoulakis. Incidentally, Panathinaikos had improved under Vovoras’ guidance, defeating Zalgiris and Bayern Munich on the road in the EuroLeague.

Last year, Pitino moved to Greece for the first time in his career, replacing Xavi Pascual as the Panathinaikos boss. Becoming a fans’ favourite in the process, Pitino steered Panathinaikos to the Greek double and the EuroLeague playoffs, but he left after the season ended citing family reasons. Pitino recently agreed to manage the Greek national team next summer with the 2020 Olympic Games in mind.

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: PAOBC.gr

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