Cantu's Bazarevich assumes charge of Russia

MOSCOW (FIBA EuroBasket 2017 Qualifiers) - The Executive Committee of the Russian Basketball Federation (RBF) approved unanimously on Wednesday the appointment of Foxtown Cantu head coach Sergey Bazarevich as the new boss of the Russian national team.

The RBF and the 50-year-old tactician have not yet put to pen to paper but that is merely a formality as the Executive Committee's decision has certified the collaboration between the two sides for the duration of the FIBA EuroBasket 2017 Qualifiers, which get under way in August.

Bazarevich took the reins of FIBA Europe Cup participants Cantu in December and will combine that position with his new role in charge of his home country's national team.

He is taking over at the helm of Russia from Evgeny Pashutin, who had coached the national team through the qualification campaign of 2014 as well as at FIBA EuroBasket 2015

Russia took 17th spot in the showcase tournament last September, failing to advance past the opening stage for the second time in a row, after finishing in 21st place in the 2013 edition.

Bazarevich is tasked with helping the FIBA EuroBasket 2007 champions regain confidence after registering their worse results ever in a major tournament and earn a berth in the 2017 event through the qualification process.

The new Russia head coach was one of the most formidable players of his generation and concluded in 2003 a bright career spanning over three decades.

He won three silver medals with the national team, at the 1990 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Argentina (with the Soviet Union), at EuroBasket 1993 in Germany and at the 1994 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Canada.

Bazarevich combined his first steps in coaching with his last season before retiring as a player as he took on both roles at Dynamo Moscow in 2002.

He took over at Krasnye Krylia Samara in 2011 and steered them to an undefeated run in EuroChallenge 2013, with the Russian side lifting the trophy after defeating Final Four hosts Pinar Karsiyaka in the title game.

During his three-year tenure in Samara, he also steered Krasnye Krylia to two Russian Cup crowns.

In 2014, he assumed the reins of VTB United League and Euroleague side Lokomotiv Kuban but parted ways with the Krasnodar club at the end of last season.

The draw for the FIBA EuroBasket 2017 Qualifiers takes place on Friday, in Munich, Germany.

FIBA