Bauermann postpones decision about future

[by Thomas Käckenmeister] - Dirk Bauermann, head coach of reigning German champion Brose Baskets Bamberg and head coach of the German national team, will make a decision about his future as early as June, and not as supposed in the end of March.

In January 2008, representatives of the 18 clubs of Germany's first division (BBL) decided to stop coaching in the league and on a national team at the same time. Current contracts are not affected, but
agreements made after this year's summer envision that coaches have to fulfil one position only. This convention was made to take off the pressure.

During the last home games of Bamberg, Bauermann saw several banners in the crowd pleading him to stay. The 50-year old coach started to work at the sidelines in 1989, won seven consecutive championships with
Leverkusen (1990-96) and works in Bamberg since 2001. There he won two titles as well (2005, 2007).

As a national team coach Bauermann is also successful: Since replacing former coach Henrik Dettmann in 2003 he led the team with star player and reigning NBA-MVP Dirk Nowitzki to the second place in the European
Championsships in 2005, to a seventh spot in the World Championship Tournament in 2006 and to fifth place at the Eurobasket 2007. But did you know that Bauermann also coached the national team in 1994 during
the World Championships in Toronto?

It is a hard decision to make, Bauermann explains: "I've put a lot of identification, heart and soul in here", Bauermann said in an interview with a Bamberg local newspaper. "This is not like the choice between VW
or Audi. This is an existential desicion. ... As soon as the Playoffs are over, I will take a step back and make my decision."

The final playoff game is scheduled for June 19th. If Bamberg advances to the finals, Bauermann will make his decision afterwards.