ITA/ISR – Drucker takes over relegation-threatened Fabi Shoes

MONTEGRANARO (Lega A) - Israeli coach Sharon Drucker has taken the helm of Italian strugglers Fabi Shoes Montegranaro for the remainder of the season.

Drucker, who parted ways with Aris Thessaloniki earlier this year, will attempt to keep Montegranaro in Lega A.

If he is successful, he will remain in charge of the team for the 2011-12 campaign.

The club decided to part with Stefano Pillastrini after the team's 66-56 home defeat to Scavolini Siviglia Pesaro at the weekend.

That loss was the team's 10th in 11th games and left Montegranaro just one game above the relegation zone.

"I come to a much respected club," Drucker said.

"I have only heard good things about the ownership, management, fans and a city that lives for basketball.

"The team is not in a simple situation: I accept this challenge and ask everyone to work as one force that takes the court to have salvation.

"If you think as "we", now more than ever, we can do it together and hit a target that the club and fans deserve. "

Fabi Shoes Montegranaro general manager Gianmaria Vacirca: "We think that Sharon is a suitable person to transmit to the players energy, enthusiasm and confidence to fight to the end."

Drucker and Fabi Shoes have three games to save their season.

They host eighth-place Lottomatica Roma this weekend and then travel north to Cimberio Varese, who are fifth, before finishing at home against Angelico Biella.

Biella are one game behind Montegranaro and also battling against the drop.

FIBA