GER - Pavicevic takes charge at Alba

BERLIN (BBL) - Alba Berlin have appointed Luka Pavicevic as their new coach after sacking Henrik Rodl.

The Serbian leaves Greek FIBA EuroCup quarter-finalists Panionios Athens to join German regular season champions Alba, who have recently secured their spot
in the ULEB Cup.

Pavicevic signs a three-year deal with the seven-time German champions to replace Rodl, who was relieved of his head coaching duties despite having one year left on his contract after their embarrassing first-round play-off defeat in the BBL.

Managing director Marco Baldi said: ""We are convinced that, among the big-name candidates we considered, Luka Pavicevic is the one who best fits Alba.

"He is a very pragmatic coach with a very clear way of working. He has always gotten the most out of his teams."

Berlin were free to make the decision after EuroLeague chief executive officer Jordi Bertomeu assured Alba a spot in the ULEB Cup - even if that will be as a wild card.

Berlin's early departure from the play-offs left them in danger of not ranking in the top three in Germany's European rankings, which would have left them out of the ULEB Cup.

But Baldi said ULEB made the decision based on the "recognition of the historical and strategic meaning" of the Berlin club.

Pavicevic comes to Berlin after leading Panionios to the quarter-finals of the FIBA EuroCup as well as the semi-finals of the Greek championship.

Dave Hein
FIBA