ARG - Lamas leaves Ben Hur

RAFAELA (Liga Nacional) - Argentinian outfit Ben Hur have parted company with coach Julio Lamas.

The Rafaela-based side decided not to retain the former Argentina and Real Madrid boss after their elimination from the Liga Nacional quarter-finals at the hands of Boca Juniors.

Lamas is the most successful coach in Ben Hur's history, having led the team to the 2005 Liga Nacional and the 2006 Liga Sudamericana titles.

Club official Ismael Eduardo Mohamed confirmed Lamas' departure and added it was caused by financial reasons.

"Ben Hur did the best to retain Julio, but we decided to put the sporting project aside so we can close our season budget with good figures," he said.

"In the upcoming season, it's obvious we won't be stars in Liga Nacional, but we'll start a serious project, backing youth development."

Lamas admitted he was sad to leave Ben Hur after three years with the club.

"We've lived unforgettable sporting moments in a place where I felt like home," he said.

"I have not been given any offers from other clubs yet."

FIBA