Bitci Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz announced the dismissal of head coach Dusko Ivanovic on Monday. Ivanovic, age 64, finished his third stint with Baskonia, which he rejoined in December 2019 and went on to lead to the 2020 Spanish League title. This season, Ivanovic guided Baskonia have a 3-6 record in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and a 4-6 start in the Spanish League.
Ivanovic previously coached Baskonia from 2000 to 2005 and again from 2008 to 2012. He led the club to three of its four Spanish League titles with the first two coming in 2002 and 2010. He also coached Baskonia to the EuroLeague Finals in 2001 and to the EuroLeague championship game in 2005. Together they won the Spanish Copa del Rey three times (2002, 2004 and 2009). He has also coached Fribourg Olympic of Switzerland, Limoges CSP of France, FC Barcelona of Spain, Panathinaikos OPAP Athens of Greece, Khimki Moscow Region of Russia and Besiktas JK Istanbul of Turkey, as well as the Swiss and the Bosnian national teams. He was a two-time EuroLeague champion as a player with Jugoplastika Split in 1989 and 1990.
"Baskonia heartfully thanks Dusko Ivanovic for his work as head coach through the years," the club said in a statement. “With him, a big part of the club's success was achieved. He was key to win our last Spanish League title barely 18 months ago and has also been key throughout a history to joint work which forged a special relationship full of respect and mutual affection. His figure, along with other coaches and players, has contributed to forge this club's successful history. It is hard decision, both personally and professionally, for what Dusko Ivanovic means and will mean in Vitoria, but we are looking for a better cohesion to obtain each and every player's best performance. It is mandatory that everyone involved in Baskonia's cause - club, fans, coaching staff and players - are together and give our best to get back on the maximum effort track and bring Baskonia's Character back."