By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Dimitris Itoudis is no longer the head coach of Greece’s senior national team.
Itoudis, 53, was released from his contract, the Hellenic Basketball Federation announced Monday.
The Greek tactician was initially contracted through the following summer. However, Greece being among the participants of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments creates “a scheduling conflict with his duties at the club level”, noted the Federation.
The tenure as the selector of the senior national team of his country was marked by Greece ranking fifth in the 2022 EuroBasket and 15th in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Heading to the OQT and a potential berth in the Olympic Games, a new head coach will take over the reins. Apart from the summer schedule, in the following winter international windows, Greece will face Great Britain, Czechia, and the Netherlands in the Qualifiers of the 2025 EuroBasket.
On his social media coach Itoudis confirmed that his obligation towards Fenerbahce makes it difficult for him to stay on the helm of the national team, adding that he intends to stay close to the team in a consultant role if needed without any pay.
As he wrote: “I gave the last ounce of my strength to represent our country worthily, while I was filled with pride and humility, realizing how small the individual size of all of us is, in front of the greatness of representing the country and the participation in our national team”.
Dimitris Itoudis focuses on Fenerbahce
At the club level, Itoudis remains in charge of Fenerbahce Beko, entering the second season of his three-year contract. The two-time Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion with CSKA is currently preparing his side for the 2023-24 editions of the EuroLeague and Turkiye Sigorta Basketbol Super Ligi.
After completing the preseason schedule as a guest participant in the VTB United League SuperCup later this week, Fener will switch to official action. Playing host to Cagdas Bodrum Spor and to EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Ulker Sports Arena opens the domestic campaign on October 1 and the continental campaign on October 6.