SARATOV (FIBA Europe Cup) - Avtodor Saratov have brought in former Russian national team strategist Evgeny Pashutin to replace Andrea Mazzon at the helm of the club, after the Italian specialist stepped down because of family-related reasons.

Having spent six years with in Saratov as a player, the incoming 48-year-old playcaller was introduced to the team on Monday and ran his first practice in preparation for the FIBA Europe Cup game against BC Nevezis later this week.

"I will try to do my best to bring Avtodor higher up in the league table in the VTB League and play modern, aggressive basketball. It will not be easy, but we're not the ones to look for an easy route," Pashutin offered in an official statement released by the club.

Having enjoyed a 15-year professional playing career, Pashutin turned his experience into a successful coaching career, pacing the sidelines of top Russian clubs CSKA Moscow, Unics Kazan and Lokomotiv Krasnodar, as well as serving as the head coach of the Russian national team from 2013 to 2015.

Avtodor are currently seventh in the VTB League with a 2-3 record, while their up-and-down international campaign in the FIBA Europe Cup has them tied in second place (2-2) in Group B, with two home fixtures remaining.

FIBA