ESP – Pepu is back, takes over DKV Joventut

BADALONA (ACB) – Pepu Hernandez is the coach that led Spain to their finest hour, the gold medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan.

Without a team since parting ways with the national side in the build-up to the 2008 Olympics, Hernandez has decided to get back into coaching and was on Thursday confirmed as the new coach of DKV Joventut.

Hernandez has taken the reins in the wake of Sito Alonso’s departure following DKV’s heavy defeat at Aris in the Eurocup this week.

In a club statement, DKV announced: “Joventut have reached an agreement with Hernandez to coach the team for the remainder of the season plus two further campaigns.

“DKV's administration council considered that Hernandez has more than proved his technical qualities in a long and successful career.”

The 52-year-old is taking over the team at a critical part of their season.

DKV must win at home next week against Alba Berlin to advance to the Quarter-Finals of the Eurocup.

In the ACB, DKV are in ninth place at 11-12 following last weekend’s 86-76 home defeat to CB Granada.

It marked their sixth consecutive setback in the Spanish top flight.

DKV also made a Quarter-Final exit in the Copa del Rey when falling 90-82 to Real Madrid.

Hernandez almost led Spain to their first European title in 2007.

Spain were denied gold in a 60-59 defeat to Russia in the Madrid Final.

Russia’s JR Holden made a jump shot with less than three seconds remaining and then Spain settled for silver as Pau Gasol’s turnaround jumper from the top of the key stayed out.

Hernandez made his name at Estudiantes in Madrid, one of the best-supported clubs in Spain.

After serving as an assistant coach, he had two spells as the head coach of Estu from 1994 through the 2005 season.

FIBA