Pitino in contact with Hellenic Basketball Federation
The Hellenic Basketball Federation is in contact with Rick Pitino concerning the position of national team head coach, reports have confirmed.
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This summer, Greece performed poorly at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China, suffering elimination in the second group stage despite having started the competition as one of the main favourites. Current head coach Thanasis Skourtopoulos was heavily criticised for his failure to use the vast potential of NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Reports in the Greek media have now suggested that Rick Pitino, who was the coach of Panathinaikos for the second half of the 2018/2019 season, is the favourite to become the new boss of the national team. Pitino will supposedly travel to Greece in the coming days to engage in negotiations with the Hellenic Basketball Federation.
Pitino steered Panathinaikos to the Greek double and the playoffs of the EuroLeague last season.
President of the Hellenic Basketball Federation, Giorgos Vasilakopoulos, had this to say on the matter: “There have been a lot of talks, not only with Pitino but also with other head coaches. At the moment, I am not allowed to say anything more. If Pitino wants to speak personally, I will only welcome that opportunity.”
Pitino, 67, has been unemployed since leaving Panathinaikos in the summer. The American Hall of Famer turned down the opportunity to remain at Panathinaikos due to reported family reasons.
Greece will have to compete in qualifiers for the 2020 Olympic Games after the disappointing showing at the World Cup.
It is expected that Skourtopoulos will remain in the coaching staff, even if Pitino becomes the new head coach.
