RUS - Blatt steps down from Russia job

MOSCOW (EuroBasket) - All good things must come to an end sooner or later.

They have for Russian basketball in its relationship with David Blatt, who has decided he will no longer coach the national team.

Russia announced that Blatt was leaving the post in a statement.

It said: “David Blatt has decided to resign as head coach of the men's national team of Russia.

“During seven years under his leadership, the team has reached the highest achievements in the history of Russian basketball, winning bronze medals at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, as well as gold and bronze at the European Championships in 2007 and 2011.

“The Russian Basketball Federation thanks David for collaboration, wishes him good health and good luck in the future!"

Blatt turned Russia’s national side into a powerhouse.

He took over after it finished a disappointing eighth at EuroBasket 2005, a result that wasn't good enough to book a place at the 2006 FIBA World Championship.

Blatt immediately instilled a winning, tough-as-nails approach that Russia’s players needed.

Receiving inspirational play from Andrei Kirilenko, Blatt coached Russia to the EuroBasket 2007 gold medal with an upset of then world champions Spain in the Final.

The Russians beat Spain in Madrid to capture that title and qualify for the Beijing Games.

He also led Russia to bronze medals at EuroBasket 2011 and at the London Games in 2012.

The president of the Russian Basketball Federation, Alexander Krasnenkov, has paid tribute to Blatt.

"We thank David for his work," he said.

"Under his leadership, the Russian team has achieved great success and regained a leading position in European and world basketball.

"These victories we have allowed us to make contact with the glories of past generations, reviving and continuing their winning tradition.

"But it would be wrong to assess the coach's work only in terms of results.

"In addition to the achievements of the national team, David's program was designed to work with young players, and spurred not only by the progress of the main players, but also the nearest reserve.

"We greatly appreciate the contribution of David Blatt to the development of Russian basketball, and we wish him all the best!"

For Blatt, an American-born coach who is an Israeli citizen, he will focus on his duties as the boss of Maccabi Tel Aviv.

He leaves his Russia job knowing the team might have won even more awards had his leading players always been available.

One of his greatest achievements was leading the national side to a seventh-place finish at the 2010 FIBA World Championship when Kirilenko wasn’t able to play.

Russia only trailed eventual champions Team USA in the third quarter by five points and eventually lost that game, 89-79.

In a statement issued by the federation, Blatt spoke about his time with Russia and his decision to go.

"My decision is based solely on my sense of what is now the right time," he said.

"I do it for personal reasons.

"Our joint achievements are exceptional, and have historical significance.

"The impact that we have had on the development of basketball in Russia was very positive and ambitious.

"I am grateful for the invitation from the Russian Basketball Federation leadership for the opportunity to work with outstanding, talented Russian players.

"I appreciate players who work hard to fulfill my requirements, and to make sacrifices in order to win numerous awards and achievements for Russian basketball and sports.

"I am grateful to all the staff, coaches, managers and employees who have done so much in order for us to be successful and brilliantly represent our country.

"And of course, I want to thank all Russians who believed in me and took me as one of their own.

"It made me feel a part of the country and society that I represented.

"I will always remember this, and much more.

"They were a magnificent and exceptional seven years.

"I leave the position with a sense of pride and satisfaction in what is now the Russian national team at the peak of its development.

"The face of Russian Basketball is recognizable and respected throughout the world, and its future is brightly lit by our example.

"I'll miss it all. To serve and work together with you was an honor.

"Good luck and bye!"

Russia have yet to announce candidates for the head coaching position.

The man that does take the helm will attempt to guide the side to a strong finish at the EuroBasket in order to qualify for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.

FIBA