CHN – Guo thankful for ‘Old Jonas’

BEIJING (Olympics) - Guo Shiqiang doesn’t know if he will be the next coach of China’s national team.

What he is certain of, though, is that Jonas Kazlauskas - China’s boss at this summer’s Olympics – has taught him a lot about the sport.

Guo served as an assistant to Kazlauskas at the Beijing Games.

"I've learned a lot from Jonas,” Guo said.

“He has the most advanced tactics which saved my coaching career from going down long and winding roads.

“Jonas answers my questions whenever I have one. It helps me hugely for my coaching career."

Kazlauskas led China to the quarter-finals of the Olympics but has decided not to continue as coach.

The Lithuanian is instead returning to Europe.

Kazlauskas has said Guo should be up for consideration when the CBA appoint their new coach.

“I can see he's been making progress,” Kazlauskas said.

“In my opinion, he is the important candidate to become the next Chinese head coach."

Guo has already had success as coach of CBA side Liaoning.

He steered them to a surprise runners-up finish this past season in the league’s play-off finals.

For two campaigns running, he has been named CBA Coach of the Year, though he shared the honor with Adiljan Dijiang after the 2007-08 campaign.

If he is offered the chance to lead China, Guo knows Kazlauskas is just a phone call away when it comes to getting important advice.

"On the court, old Jo (Jonas' nickname) is my teacher,” Guo said.

“In life, we are the best of friends, even he's left China. I can ask him questions any time, even if he's back in Europe.

“I can't express how much help he's been giving to me."

FIBA