RUS – Thank you to all of you : Blatt

ISTANBUL (FIBA World Championship) – After six years as national coach of Russia, it appears David Blatt’s time in charge has come to an end.

Blatt will be remembered as a coach who consistently led his team to results above expectations, highlighted by Russia’s stunning win over Spain in the final of the 2007 Eurobasket in Madrid.

Their seventh placed finish at the 2010 FIBA World Championship was also a surprise to many, with the team missing a number of key players including Andrei Kirilenko, Viktor Khryapa and JR Holden. But the Russians received acclaim for their team basketball and heart in Turkey and capped their tournament with a win over Slovenia.

When asked if it were possibly that he may return as Russia coach Blatt replied that anything is possible, before adding: “Do you go to the casino? I wouldn’t be betting on it!”

Blatt spoke to Paulo Kennedy from www.fiba.basketball after the victory over Slovenia, and sounded like a man who had finished a rewarding chapter in his life.

“I feel great,” he said. “It feels strange, but I feel great.”

Was he happy his last game was a win? “It’s great. It’s particularly rewarding that we showed character,” he said. “We had the late game last night and we came back and played at three today, against Slovenia who is very strong team, probably on paper a team that is much better than us.

“But my guys, we fought it out and we were down, but we didn’t quit. We played very good basketball in the last quarter and a half, and for me personally it is just real satisfying to see a lot of the guys that are out there playing and doing these things who weren’t even expected to be here.”

Blatt also spoke about why their tournament was a success, what he said to them before the game and reflected on his six years in charge.

He finished by giving thanks to all the fans of international and Russian basketball for their support. To see the full interview go to FIBA TV.

http://www.fibatv.com/page/Video/0,,12805~1648004,00.html?tabb=&pnumber=1

FIBA

Paulo Kennedy