Krunoslav Simon praises Tomislav Mijatovic, explains what went wrong for Efes / News - Basketnews.com

Anadolu Efes Istanbul legend Krunoslav Simon believes Tomislav Mijatovic is the coach to help the team get back on track after an underwhelming season.

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Krunoslav Simon was undeniably one of the architects of the unforgettable run of Anadolu Efes Istanbul in 2018-2023 when the team was at the height of European basketball.

3-pointers this season

37%9,9Points made:9,9Accuracy:37,1%Place in standings:5Record max:17Record min:3Most made 3FGs:Shane LarkinTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

While the dynasty has since been inactive, being survived only by names such as Shane Larkin, Tomislav Mijatovic, Tibor Pleiss, Rodrigue Beaubois, and Elijah Bryant, former player Simon believes that Efes is poised for a return to good days under new head coach Mijatovic.

Just a few days ago, Tomislav Mijatovic signed a two-year contract extension with Efes after taking over the team in the middle of the season.

"I think it's a great move. No one loves Anadolu Efes and feels a greater attachment to the club than Tomislav Mijatovic," Simon said about his countryman in an interview with Basketball Sphere.

"He is first and foremost my friend and then a coach. So far, he has given his all for that club and has been extremely dedicated, so I expect now that he is appointed as the head coach, it will be at an even higher level," he continued.

"He has proven this season that he is ready. The players love and appreciate him, and I am very happy for him. I think Anadolu Efes has made an excellent move."

Tomislav Mijatovic was appointed as the head coach of the team after Erdem Can, who was only appointed in the summer of 2023, was sacked due to poor results in the EuroLeague.

On the matter, Simon believes that the team was built improperly at the start of the season and that they could not have even made it to the Play-In Showdown with Mijatovic's efforts.

"During the season, I said that the team wasn't well put together and that the selection process wasn't done properly. The chemistry wasn't good from what I saw from the outside," Simon recalled.

"The [style of play] itself wasn't good in the end. When Mijatovic was appointed, they were 15th, with no serious chances of success. They can only thank him for reaching that ninth place," the Croatian forward concluded.

It appears that the two-time EuroLeague champion is right. Under Mijatovic, Efes went on an 8-2 in the EuroLeague and rose 6 berths for a chance at the post-season. In spite of the impressive run, they were eliminated by Virtus Segafredo Bologna in the Play-In Showdown.

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