It's no illusion, 'magician' David Blatt has conjured Russia into European basketball kings

FAN NEWS (Utku Ertan, Sportingo) - The American-Israeli worked wonders to take a team with limited potential to glory in Madrid. Could he do a similar job for Turkey in the 2010 World Championships?

“A leader is someone who helps others do and become more than they ever thought possible. Leadership is about unlocking potential, whether individual potential or that of a group, company, or organisation. It is not about telling people what to do, but inspiring them to see what they are capable of, then helping them get there.”

The above quotation describes best the unbelievable success of coach David Blatt in leading Russia to the European Basketball Championship in Madrid. Under the American-Israeli's guidance, they beat Spain 60-59 thanks to JR Holden’s jump shot in the last two seconds of this unforgettable game.

Some call Blatt 'The Chemist' because of his ability to create great team chemistry. Some call him 'The Magician' because of his success in winning this dream championship. However, it has nothing to do with magic. It is the outcome of making the right decisions.

Blatt built the team around Andre Kirilenko, gave Holden the initiative to use the ball and organise the team, and made teamless Nikita Morgunov the best sixth man of Eurobasket. In addition, Aleksey Savrasenko played way above his normal performance and contributed both in defense and offence. Zakhar Pachoutine gave his best and Victor Khryapa made very valuable points and rebounds.

In conclusion, from their coach, guard, forward and center, Russia are a real team and fully deserve the European title.

In Turkey, the fans of Istanbul Efes Pilsen are very happy that Blatt will be working for their team this season. After seeing his influence on a team with limited potential such as Russia, I can imagine him leading a team like Turkey with two NBA stars, Hidayet Turkoglu and Mehmet Okur, Barcelona's new hope and promising young talent Ersan I.lyasova, one of the top scorers of Euroleague Serkan Erdog(an, and two of the best centers of their generation in Semih Erden and Og(uz Savas,.

It would be nice to see Blatt leading the hosts of  the 2010 World Basketball Championships, wouldn’t it? If he can turn Russia into European champions, he could surely help Turkey at least to the semi-finals.

Quote reference: Dewey, Lisa 'Five Qualities Good Leaders Express'