SECOND WAVE

A familiar face has returned to the Azerbaijani basketball scene. Rimas Kurtinaitis, the former coach of Gala club for many years, is back in Azerbaijan after a long hiatus. Rimas Kurtinaitis, a renowned athlete, Olympic champion and European medalist, has been appointed as the head coach of Sabah team.

The 63-year-old Lithuanian expert signed a contract for 1.5 years. Regarded as one of the best shooters in European basketball history, Kurtinaitis has played for such legendary clubs as Zalgiris (Lithuania), CSKA (Russia) and Real Madrid (Spain). He also made history as the only coach to win the European Cup three times. He led Lietuvos Rytas (Lithuania) to the European Cup title in 2008/2009, and Khimki (Russia) in 2011/2012 and 2014/2015. Rimas Kurtinaitis became the VTB United League champion with Khimki in 2010/2011. He has over 100 VTB League wins under his belt. Baku fans remember the Lithuanian coach from his stint at Gala, which he coached from 2002 to 2006.

R+ brings you an interview with the new head coach of Sabah club Rimas KURTINAITIS, who has come back to Azerbaijan after 18 years.

"It's great to see you in Azerbaijan again. The media reported that you had retired from coaching... "

"I didn't retire from coaching. I was just taking a break. You can't rest well when you're working. That's why I decided to relax and enjoy life for a while. And I waited for the right opportunity to come back to my passion."

"And that opportunity came from Sabah club?"

"Sometimes I got offers that I didn't find appealing. But the call from Sabah club caught my attention. First of all, Azerbaijan is a country that I know well. I have fond memories of Baku. Secondly, the Sabah club management told me that they have created all the conditions for basketball development in the country. "

"Did you say yes right away?"

"Of course not. I talked to my family first. We discussed it with my wife. We agreed to come to Baku together. Our family was happy with this proposal, and I accepted the offer. And I have already started my work at Sabah club. We have played a few games in the Azerbaijani league."

"During your previous work in Azerbaijan, you coached such stars of national basketball as Fuad Niftaliyev, Zaur Pashayev, Alexander Rindin. Niftaliyev and Pashayev are still playing. Does that surprise you?"

"Yes, it was a bit surprising. But I'm glad to work with them. They should play as long as they are fit. I played until I was 41 myself. Young players can learn a lot from experienced basketball players."

"Basketball in Azerbaijan has progressed a lot in the 2000s. How do you evaluate the current situation?"

"It would be unfair to judge based on what I have seen in just 15 days. The Federation is doing some work to promote this sport. Each club has foreign players, which means that the teams have good financial support. Money is one of the most important factors for development. 18 years ago the situation with foreigners was not like this. There are many positive aspects in Azerbaijani basketball. But we also need to work on the weaknesses."

"What are the weaknesses, in your opinion?"

"Sports are for the people. I have to mention the low attendance of fans in the stands during the national league games. When I coached Gala, every game was sold out. The number of fans has dropped. We have to make an effort to attract people to basketball. It's much more fun and exciting with fans. "

"How do you feel about the club's offer? What did the management ask of you?"

"We have high ambitions. We want to improve our team's performance and skills. We aim to win the Azerbaijan championship and do well in the European cups. We have our eyes on the Champions League. We want to make Azerbaijan proud in the top-level continental competitions. And to do that, we have to work hard and smart."

"You left Azerbaijan in 2006, and since then, domestic basketball has declined. What do you think you could have accomplished if basketball had kept growing until now?"

"Back in the 2000s, Azerbaijan was buzzing with basketball. Fans knew the players and cheered for them. But things changed after 2006 for some reasons. That's why I see this as my second chance. We are trying to revive the positive momentum that we had. Hopefully, we will surpass our previous achievements and continue the progress."

"What are your thoughts on your rivals in the national championship?"

"There are many strong teams. It used to be just us and NTD as the main contenders. But now the competition is fierce. I need more time to give you a detailed answer."

"Did you miss Azerbaijan while you were away?"

"I always missed Azerbaijan as a friendly country. I never forgot your delicious food (laughs). Baku has changed so much in 18 years. When I arrived, I saw new buildings everywhere. The city has become more modern."

"Any message for the basketball fans...?"

"First of all, thank you for your interest in me. I'm happy to be in Azerbaijan. Thank you all for remembering me. I urge the fans to come to the arena and support the teams in the games. The fans play a big and special role in the development of basketball."