IRI/SER – Iran tab Matic as new national team boss

TEHRAN (FIBA Asia Championship) - Iran reached the Beijing Olympics under the watchful eye of Serbia’s Rajko Toroman.

Now one of Toroman’s compatriots, Veselin Matic, is to lead the team as they attempt to defend their FIBA Asia Championship title and reach the 2010 FIBA World Championship.

Matic, 49, has signed a one-year contract to coach Iran.

“I have respected Iran’s national basketball team since I saw them in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games,” Matic said to the Tehran Times.

“I will call Toroman in the coming days to get more information about Iran’s basketball.”

Toroman left Iran after the Olympics and accepted a position to work with the Philippines.

Iran are hopeful that Matic can build on Toroman’s good work. Iran did not win a game at the Olympics but they received a lot of praise for winning the Asian title and improving under Toroman.

“According to the agreement the Serbian coach can bring an experienced physical therapist, a physician, a masseur, an analyst and an assistant to Iran,” said Mahmoud Mashhoon, the President of the Iranian Basketball Federation.

"Dr. Mehran Hatami from Iran will be one of his assistants.”

Matic will have a busy year as he will lead Iran at the Asia Basketball Championship in Tehran from July 1-6 and then guide them at the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship in China.

“Matic will be in Tehran on April 4 to start his work,” Mashhoon added.

FIBA