By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
As officially confirmed by the club, Cedevita Olimpija and Simone Pianigiani have parted ways.
“Italian expert Simone Pianigiani says goodbye to the position of head coach of the team of the Cedevita Olimpija Basketball Club. Due to the health problems of Pianigiani, the club and the head coach agreed to suspend the cooperation. Pianigiani became the head coach of the Dragons in June and won the title of Slovenian Super Cup winner in September,” as explained in the official announcement.
Pianigiani joined the Ljubljana team last June and won the Slovenian Super Cup in September. He leaves his post after 10 wins in 14 ABA League games and the worst record in the BKT EuroCup, with no victories after 13 rounds, leaving Cedevita Olimpija without theoretical chances of making the playoffs.
“We thank Simone for his professional work and attitude during the time he spent with us, and at the same time, we wish him all the best in the continuation of his career and a speedy recovery,” said the director of Cedevita Olimpija, Davor Užbinec, upon Simone Pianigiani’s departure.
Zoran Martic Takes Over
Immediately after announcing the decision to part with Pianigiani, Cedevita Olimpija appointed Zoran Martic as his successor on the bench. The Slovenian expert will be the head coach at least until the end of the 2023/24 season.
The 58-year-old coach started his career in Ilirija back in 1992 and worked as the head coach in many different clubs all across Europe, having stints in Geoplin Slovan, Szolnoki Olaj, Krka, Buducnost, Apoel Nicosia, Zlatorog Laško, Helios Domzale, Khimik, Kormend, MZT Skoplje, Trefl Sopot, as well as Union Olimpija as an assistant and the head coach, winning the title with the Ljubljana Dragons in 2018. He also worked in Japan with Chiba Jets since 2020.
“My arrival in Cedevita Olimpija coincides with the beginning of the calendar year. I would like to thank the club management for the trust and opportunity. I am aware of the situation we are in and the expectations of the sports public. I am convinced that with good work, with the help of the fans, we can achieve them,” said the new head coach of the team, Zoran Martic, upon returning to Ljubljana.
Photo: ABA League/Cedevita Olimpija/Ales Fevzer