Itoudis on negotiations with Wilbekin: 'I'm positive that we'll have great outcome out of this' / News - Basketnews.com

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The new Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul head coach Dimitris Itoudis was introduced in his new role and took part in the press conference, covering many topics, including the possible arrival of Scottie Wilbekin.

Scottie Wilbekin

MIN:28.98PTS:15.4 (52.11%)REB:2.11As:4.11ST:1.51BL:0TO:2GM:35ProfileEuroLeague2021/2022

"We are in the process and talks [with him]," Itoudis answered on the situation with Wilbekin. "Obviously, when it's a negotiation between another club, it's a delicate issue that the club will handle."

"I hope and I'm very positive that together with all the sacrifices that the president is ready to do, we will have a great outcome of this story," Itoudis added.

During the summer, Wilbekin has been a part of many rumors regarding his future, but he still has 1 year left on his contract with Maccabi. According to the reports from Israeli media, the American point guard doesn't have a release clause, meaning that it should be negotiated with Maccabi.

Last season, the 29-year-old played in 35 EuroLeague games, averaging 15.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 15.1 PIR.

Itoudis also revealed that he spoke with long-time Fenerbahce leaders Jan Vesely and Nando De Colo. The Greek head coach was hopeful about the possibility of keeping De Colo, but it seemed that Vesely had already made up his mind.

It was previously reported that the Czech center has a 3-year deal with FC Barcelona.

"I had a chance to talk to Jan. I'm aware of great sacrifices and the offer that the club did [to keep him]. It's a family and Jan's decision. Fenerbahce are grateful for his contribution bringing success and glory to the club," Itoudis said.

"I also had a chance to speak with Nando," Itoudis continued. "We share many moments, we spent 5 years at CSKA. It's also related to [Jan's] story because when he came to me, he wanted to change the environment."

Nando De Colo

Team:Fenerbahce IstanbulPosition:PG, SGAge:35Height:196 cmWeight:91 kgBirth place:Sainte-Catherine, FranceProfileNewsStatistics

"After many successful years with CSKA, he came to me and said: 'Coach, my family and I want to change [the environment]. We have never been in one place for five years.' It was another family decision.

So, I talked with Nando and, together with Maurizio [Gherardini] and Derya [Yannier], working 24/7 to understand in which direction we'll go. The fact that I worked with Nando, we have a common word in many years, makes it easier," Itoudis said on De Colo.

When asked about rivalries with other coaches such as Andreas Pistiolis of Galatasaray Istanbul or Zeljko Obradovic of Partizan Belgrade with whom he worked before, Itoudis did not emphasize rivalries but talked about his relationship with Obradovic.

"We are family friends with Zeljko. That's a life connection that goes beyond the profession. That's what sport does, unites the people," said Itoudis.

"There are a lof of rivalries, not only between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray or Fenerbahce and Partizan," added Itoudis.

When asked what kind of players Fenerbahce need to sign, Itoudis promised to work hard but did not specify further.

"We will work 24/7 to find the right players," Itoudis answered. "I need the time to see what we have and what we need, but the fans here can sleep tight because we will work 24/7."

The Greek coach has also talked about failures and the importance of a winning culture.

"I represent something, which is what we stand here for. When you fall, you need the power to stand up," said Itoudis.

"You are not gonna talk about Melih Mahmutoglu's 100 shots he missed in practice, but will talk about the one he made in-game," Itoudis gave an example. "We are going to have falls, [but] let's not fall backward, let's fall forward."

Itoudis has also talked about the importance of team chemistry when asked about the importance of guards' play in today's game.

"We are here as coaches to help players to perform, they are the ones who make it happen," Itoudis said. "We need to make some adjustments towards their game."

"The most important thing is to create the right bond and the right chemistry," Itoudis continued. "If we have 12 MVPs, that doesn't mean we will have success," added Itoudis.

"Guards are dominant with the ball, guards are doing a lot, but bigs are saving guards' backs. So it's all about adjustments and creating a bond," Itoudis concluded on the topic.

Full press conference

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