GER – Katzurin moves into the Alba hotseat

BERLIN (Eurocup) - Alba Berlin have decided to replace Luka Pavicevic with veteran Israeli coach Muli Katzurin.
 
A former Israel and Poland national team boss, Katzurin will be on the sidelines for Thursday night’s Eurocup home game against Panellinios.
 
Katzurin had been working as the sports director of the Israel Basketball Federation when he was offered the chance to lead the German giants.
 
The 66-year-old coach says he is very excited to be at the helm of a German side that last season reached the Eurocup Final and is still alive in the same competition this season.
 
"While I was at Nymburk the last four years, I've watched the games in Germany almost every weekend," Katzurin said.
 
"I was very impressed first of all that all the gyms are full and that every game is like a celebration and I think it should be like that.
 
"Basketball is fun, you should come and enjoy the games."
 
Alba are 0-1 in the Eurocup Last 16 heading into their against Panellinios.
 
The Berlin outfit is 13-6 in Germany's Beko BBL, six games behind defending champions Brose Baskets Bamberg.
 
"If you ask me about the professional level here, there are a lot of good Americans here (in Germany)," Katzurin said.
 
"A lot of teams, even those without a big budget, find a way to bring in quality guys.
 
"The league is very athletic, the league is very strong and has 18 teams.
 
"When you go on the road, nothing is guaranteed."
 
What kind of Alba Berlin can the fans expect to see under Katzurin?
 
"I'm a big fan of good defense," he said, "to create something with a good defense, not to wait for the other team to attack you but to attack them.
 
"Make them make the mistake before you make the mistake.
 
"I want my teams to always run, to play in transition, fast-break basketball."
 
FIBA