By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The new head coach of Crvena Zvezda mts is in for the Belgrade outfit.
Dusko Ivanovic signed a two-year contract to take over head-coaching responsibilities, the team announced Monday, confirming the report regarding the early-season adjustment for Crvena Zvezda. The previous play-caller, Vladimir Jovanovic was released Sunday.
Ivanovic, 65, is back in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague following three separate stints at Tau Ceramica/Caja Laboral/Laboral Kutxa/TD Systems Baskonia, currently Cazoo Baskonia. The lengthy experience at the team based in Vitoria-Gasteiz includes working with combo guard Luca Vildoza, recently added to the Crvena Zvezda squad.
FC Barcelona from 2005 to 2008, Panathinaikos in 2014-15, and Khimki Moscow Region from 2016 to 2017 make out the remaining stints at teams participating in the top-tier continental competition of Europe. He has also coached multiple teams based in Turkey, France, and Switzerland. Success via numerous titles spread across his work in various countries includes three Spanish league championships with Baskonia and the Korac Cup with Limoges CSP. As a player, he became a EuroLeague champion in 1989 and 1990 as a member of Jugoplastika, now called Split.
Getting to work as early as today, the new head coach will continue to prepare the players and is set to make his debut in the EuroLeague Round 8 home fixture opposite LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne Thursday. His new side sitting at 1-6 is ranked last on the EuroLeague table, three wins outside the Playoffs zone. In the AdmiralBet ABA League, a 4-1 W-L tally paints the picture on the first five outings.