The name of the new head coach of the “Neftchi” men’s basketball team has been revealed.
The silver medalist of the Azerbaijan Basketball League has appointed former Ukraine national team head coach Vitaly Stepanovskyy, Idman.biz reports.
The 43-year-old specialist has signed a one-year contract. His main targets are to perform successfully in the group stage of the FIBA Europe Cup and in the domestic championship.
After a disappointing EuroBasket 2025 qualifying campaign, the Ukrainian coach stepped down from his role with the national team and has been out of work since December 2024. Under Stepanovskyy’s leadership, “Khimik” (Yuzhne) won the Ukrainian championship twice. He has also coached Romania’s “Craiova” and Estonia’s “Parnu” clubs.
Neftchi finished last season under the leadership of Georgian coach Davit Chivchivadze.
The Baku-based team is placed in Group I of the regular season of the FIBA Europe Cup. They will compete for advancement against "Kalev/Cramo" (Estonia), "Bursaspor" (Turkiye), and "Trefl" (Poland).
Idman.biz
