By Dimitris Minaretzis/ info@eurohoops.net
After taking over head-coaching responsibilities in June, Spanish Joan Plaza is on his way to exiting AEK Betsson.
The Greek club decided to part ways with Plaza, according to Eurohoops sources.
Involved parties commenced the process of terminating the contract between the experienced tactician and the Queen. In addition, AEK is scanning available options to hire a new head coach.
Splitting the 2023-24 campaign mainly between the Basketball Champions League and Greece’s Stoiximan Basket League, the Barcelona native guided his side to a 5-1 record in Group D of the BCL Regular Season and a direct ticket to the Round of 16. A fourth straight loss across all competitions was against Promitheas in Gameday 1 of Group L on Tuesday. Efforts amid multiple midseason roster adjustments at the domestic level translated into a poor 6-9 tally and currently ranking seventh overall.
A veteran of 194 coaching appearances in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, spread between Zenit, Unicaja, Zalgiris, and Real Madrid, coached Coosur Real Betis until early in the 2021-22 season. Nearly two years after the end of his second spell with the team based in Seville, AEK provided his next play-calling assignment.
Up next on the schedule for the Athens outfit is a road game opposite Karditsa Iaponiki on Saturday. Following Round 16 of the Basket League and heading to Gameday 2 of the Champions League’s Round of 16, Hapoel Holon at Szombathely’s Arena Savaria is the next opponent on Tuesday.
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League