POL – Anwil Wloclawek boss Grischuk is new Poland coach

WARSAW (EuroBasket Division A) - Poland didn’t reach the 2010 FIBA World Championship but last year’s EuroBasket hosts captured the heart of their nation with some gritty performances under Muli Katzurin.

The Poles, looking to keep the momentum going, have put Anwil Wloclawek boss Igor Grischuk in charge of the national team.

The position had been vacant since the end of the EuroBasket with Israeli Katzurin now concentrating on his duties as CEZ Nymburk boss.

Belarus-born Grischuk, who received a Polish passport in 1998, will lead the Poles this summer in qualifying games for EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania.

Poland will take on Belgium, Bulgaria, Georgia and Portugal in Group C of Division A.

Grischuk offered some insight as to what his approach will be.

"I am demanding," he said, "first of all, to myself, but I expect full commitment from all those with whom I work with. Together, we play to win."

Krzysztof Szablowski and Paul Turkiewicz will serve as Grischuk's assistants while Hubert Hejman is the team leader.

Poland should be a force in their Division A campaign with center Marcin Gortat having confirmed he will represent the country again.

Gortat played for Poland last year after helping the Orlando Magic reach the NBA Finals.

FIBA