By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
EuroLeague witnesses another coaching change as Anadolu Efes decides to part ways with coach Erdem Can following a significant loss to Zalgiris in Kaunas.
The club officially announced the decision to separate from the coach who took over the head coaching position from Ergin Ataman last summer.
“As Anadolu Efes Sports Club, we have parted ways with Mr. Erdem Can.
We thank him for his efforts for our club and wish him success in his future career,” according to the official release.
Can was appointed at Anadolu Efes following a remarkable season at the helm of Turk Telekom, where he guided the Ankara team to the EuroCup final and earned the EuroCup Coach of the Year award.
Despite his prior success, he encountered challenges in the EuroLeague with the Istanbul team, facing frequent injuries to key players. His departure comes with Anadolu Efes holding a 9-15 record and occupying the 16th spot in the standings.
The 43-year-old coach commenced his career as an assistant at Turk Telekom in 2008. He later served under Zeljko Obradovic at Fenerbahce for nine years, achieving numerous trophies, including the EuroLeague title in 2017. Following a brief stint in the NBA as an assistant to Quin Snyder with the Utah Jazz, Can took over Turk Telekom, enjoying a successful 2022/23 season.
It’s worth noting that he coached Anadolu Efes in one of the most memorable EuroLeague games, where Real Madrid emerged victorious after quadruple overtime.