Panathinaikos confirm Pitino departure

NCAA-bound Rick Pitino will not continue working as the Panathinaikos head coach, the Athenians have confirmed.

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On Friday, Panathinaikos released this following statement:

“Panathinaikos OPAP BC announces its mutual termination of Rick Pitino’s contract.

“Mr. Pitino’s presence in the Panathinaikos family has been, and always will be, a huge honour for our organisation and history. A great coach and man, he honoured the Trifylli and proved his status in world basketball and why is a member of the Hall of Fame.

“Every minute of working with Mr. Pitino was very useful for all team members. His knowledge is a big asset to our team’s present and future.

“Every training session, every match and every discussion with him was a lesson for us all. Not just for basketball, but for life overall.

“We are happy for him that he decided to return to the USA to be with his family in this difficult time in the world, and that he is going back to the NCAA.

“We hope that he will take Iona to the top. Mr. Pitino is one of us, a lifelong friend of Panathinaikos.

“In conclusion, we would like to thank Mr. Pitino’s representative, Mr. Angelos Kottaridis, for his contribution.”

Pitino recently confirmed that he will be in charge of Iona in the NCAA next season. Originally, it was thought that the 67-year-old would return to Athens when the 2019/2020 campaign eventually resumes, but that is now out of the question. It is predicted that assistant coach, Giorgos Vovoras, will be the Panathinaikos boss for the remainder of the season.

In the EuroLeague, Panathinaikos sit in sixth position as they fight for a playoff berth, while they are in first place of the Basket League. The season has been suspended as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Pitino returned to Panathinaikos in November after Argyris Pedoulakis left. In the 2018/2019 season, Pitino had steered Panathinaikos to the EuroLeague playoffs, the Greek Cup and the Basket League title. 

By: Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: Panathinaikos BC

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