Pini Gershon Takes on New Role as Bulgaria’s Basketball Technical Director
Transition from Israeli Basketball to Bulgaria
Pini Gershon, a seasstartd figure in the world of basketball, has recently concluded his role as the technical director for the Israel Basketball Federation. He has been appointed as the technical director under the Bulgarian Basketball Federation. Today, Gershon was officially introduced by the Bulgarian authorities, marking a return to a team he previously coached 15 years ago, leading them to the EuroBasket tournament in Poland.
Gershon’s Commitment and Vision
During his presentation in Bulgaria, the 73-year-old expressed his excitement about this new chapter in his career. “I am happy to be here. I had other options, but I chose this start. This might be my last dance; I came to help Bulgarian basketball become much better-there are people here who love me,” he stated.
He also noted that the talent among Bulgarian players surpasses that of Israeli players, highlighting his ambition to elevate the game in Bulgaria. As part of his vision for the position, Gershon emphasized the importance of mentoring coaches. “I am here to be a mentor to coaches. The better the coaches, the better Bulgarian basketball will be. We will try to develop players aged 14 to 18. The basketball of ten years ago is no longer effective today; it is crucial to evolve with the times,” he advised.
Focus on Youth Development
Gershon further elaborated on his objectives, indicating a broader commitment beyond working solely with the national team. “I am not here just to work with the national team but also to assist coaches in the success of Bulgarian basketball. It is very important for players aged 14-21 to give it their all. They need to forget hobbies and other distractions and focus on basketball. The budget for youth in Israel is double that of Bulgarian basketball. When the season ends, they should not return home to rest,” he added.
With this new role in Bulgaria, Gershon aims to make a significant impact on the future of basketball in the country, leveraging his extensive experience and insights into the sport’s evolving landscape. His commitment to youth development and coach mentorship underlines his desire to foster a new generation of talent in Bulgarian basketball