Igor Kokoskov named Fenerbahce head coach
Igor Kokoskov is Fenerbahce’s new head coach, it was announced over the weekend.
Legendary mentor Zeljko Obradovic had been in charge of the Turkish club since being hired in July 2013.
Fenerbahce and the 48-year-old Kokoskov agreed to terms of a three-year contract.
He served as an assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings in the 2019-20 NBA campaign. He also guided Slovenia, with rising star Luka Doncic on the squad, to the 2017 FIBA EuroBasket title.
The well-traveled Igor Kokoskov landed in the NBA as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2000. Over the next two decades, the Serbian held assistant coaching jobs with the Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, and Utah Jazz before the Suns made him the first NBA head coach who was born and grew up in Europe.
In the 2018-19 season, the Kokoskov-led Suns went 19-63, and he was dismissed.
Igor Kokoskov looks ahead
Looking ahead to his new challenge at Fenerbahce following in the footsteps of Obradovic, Kokoskov has lofty ambitions.
“Fener is one of the biggest sports clubs in the world,” Kokoskov said in a statement. “We will give our best to keep fans happy by winning lots of basketball games and trophies.”
The Serbia men’s national team head coach added: “I am very happy and excited to join the Fenerbahce family. I’m thrilled and very thankful for this opportunity. I’m very aware of the history and tradition that this sports club has.
“I feel obligated to the Fenerbahce fans and the people who brought me here to give them the best of my abilities, experience, and knowledge to help this club keep being successful as it is.”
Still with Sacramento
Igor Kokoskov is still working for the Kings, who are preparing for the NBA season to get underway again. They are one of 22 teams headed to Walt Disney World.
While working as Luke Walton’s top assistant, Kokoskov became the Serbia national team head coach in November.
“Igor brings tremendous experience to our team and I know this opportunity to represent his country is a source of great pride for him,” the Kings head coach said in November, according to the Sacramento Bee. “While his accomplishments internationally and throughout the NBA are impressive, more importantly, he is an incredible human being who serves as an invaluable mentor for his players and key members of my coaching staff. On behalf of our entire team, it is my pleasure to congratulate Igor on this immense honor.”