When the FIBA U20 European Championship Men tips off today, the young cagers won’t be the only ones on the court looking to impress potential future employers in Europe: Some 45 coaches who have participated in the two-year FIBA Europe Coaching Certificate Program will be capping their degrees with their work in the tournament.
(FIBA) – What began on the Greek island of Crete two years ago at the 2007 U16 European Championship Men, will end this summer on another Greek island (Rhodes) where the U20 European Championship Men will be contested starting July 16th.
Forty-five coaches will visit the island as part of the FIBA Europe Coaching Certificate Program, and many of them will leave with a similar sense of accomplishment to the players who walk away with a medal.
"...extremely committed..."
For the coaches it’s the culmination of two years of hard work. “The coaches are extremely committed to the program. This year they will face the final exams and I wish them all the best of luck.” commented Michael Schwarz, FIBA Europe coaching coordinator.
Schwarz isn’t just saying that. He knows how hard the exams will be for the coaches.
“This final exam is not just for show, it is meant to test the knowledge they have accumulated over the last two years and it’s a very important part of the program. We want to make sure that the participants only receive this certificate, when they meet the respective requirements to coach and train young athletes.”
The program’s mentor, legendary coach Svetislav Pesic will be on hand to once again offer his expertise and administer the final exam.
“I am very satisfied with the performance of the coaches and I’m excited to see this first class get out in the real world and put their knowledge to work,” said the World and European Championship winning coach.
“Rhodes will be the final sprint in what has been a long race for these coaches. They’ve worked very hard and they deserve a lot of credit.”
For participants this will be their third trip to a FIBA Europe youth event as they have followed many of the same players they first saw two years ago in Crete to the U18 event last year and the U20 championships this summer in Rhodes.
“One of the FECC’s goals was to give the coaches a chance to experience the actual level of the best young players in Europe, and also to see how they develop over the years,” Schwarz explained.
Coaches have had the opportunity to spend time in the gym watching games and practices, while also analyzing game video using cutting edge computer software, all under the watchful eye of the FECC Project Group, which includes Pesic as well as other experienced coaches from around Europe.
“It’s been fantastic, the level of the tutoring is absolutely awe inspiring and it’s been really amazing to be able to learn from some of the best coaches in all of Europe,” commented Reading Rockets associate head coach Matt Johnson.
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