By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Giorgos Bartzokas and Lokomotiv Kuban decided to stay together for one more year. According to sources close to the talks, there’s a agreement between the two sides to prolong their collaboration.
Lokomotiv had offered a new three year contract to Bartzokas, but the Greek coach didn’t want to commit with the team for that long. After all, the second year of his current contract provides him with better financial terms and also he has the chance to continue building on top of what was achieved this year. That’s the goal, even if Lokomotiv is expected to play in Eurocup and Malcolm Delaney probably will not be part of the team.
Bartzokas was a candidate for the coaching openings in Dogus Darussafaka and Maccabi Tel Aviv and also his name was mentioned for Barcelona and Anadolu Efes. However, Darussafaka, Maccabi and Efes already found their new coaches in Blatt, Edelstein and Perasovic. On the other hand, Bartzokas has a place waiting for him in a club which more than appreciate his services.
With Bartzokas on board, it remains to be seen which players from this season will return for one more year in Krasnodar, even without playing in the Euroleague.