By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
On Monday morning many Greek media reported that Rade Filipovic, the agent of coach Dimitris Itoudis, traveled to Moscow for a meeting with CSKA. On the afternoon, Banvit denied that the Greek coach is leaving Turkey. However, according to Eurohoops sources there’s a deal between CSKA Moscow and Dimitris Itoudis for a two years contract.
The meeting was made, the terms are agreed and the only thing left in order for the transaction to be completed will be for CSKA Moscow to compensate Banvit. Itoudis signed a three years contract last summer with an opt out clause after the second season, however he has an excellent personal relationship with the management of the Turkish team. That’s why Banvit is not expected to keep him from making the biggest step in his career.
After being for more than a decade the alter ego of coach Zeljko Obradovic in Panathinaikos, Itoudis led Banvit to the semifinals of TBL after a stellar regular season and now he is ready for the biggest challenge of his career. The Greek coach was in CSKA’s short list of candidates to replace coach Messina, as was former Maccabi‘s coach David Blatt who is expected to continue his career in the NBA.
UPDATE: Our report was confirmed by CSKA Moscow on the 19 of June.