By Lefteris Moutis/ info@eurohoops.net
According to various sources from Turkey and Israel, David Blatt will be the new coach of Turkish team Darussafaka Dogus, a club has already received a wild card in order to participate in next season’s Euroleague for a second consecutive year.
The “Euroleague factor” has definitely played a part in Blatt’s decision, but it’s not the only reason that is sending him to Istanbul. Initially the Israeli/American coach was examining opportunities to work in the NBA. He was heavily rumored to be a candidate for the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks but the Texan team struck a deal with Mike D’ Antoni, while the Knicks are finalizing a contract with Jeff Hornaceck.
With fewer and fewer options remaining on the other side of the Atlantic, David Blatt seems willing return to Euroleague, the competition which he won in 2014 with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Darussafaka Dogus will definitely provide a great working environment for Blatt, since it is an ambitious team with a budget that is expected to satisfy every wish of its new coach. The deal is ready to be finalized and the club is waiting the final decision of Blatt. Meanwhile the Turkish club officially said goodbye to former coach Oktay Mahmuti. The news were first reported by Israeli journalist David Pick.