Ainars Bagatskis has signed a one-year contract to become the head coach of Polish basketball club "Śląsk Wrocław" while continuing his role with the Ukrainian national team. The Latvian specialist faces a significant challenge with his new club assignment.
The Polish side has experienced considerable turbulence recently. Last season, "Śląsk Wrocław" went through three different coaches and currently finds itself in a crisis situation that Bagatskis will need to address.
Interestingly, Bagatskis won't be stepping away from his international duties despite this new club commitment. The Ukrainian national team is set to begin its campaign in the pre-qualification stage for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers this August.
This dual role arrangement isn't uncommon in basketball circles, but it certainly adds pressure on the coach's schedule and attention. Bagatskis brings recent club experience to the table, having spent last season at the helm of Romanian outfit "Voluntari".
Can the experienced Latvian coach turn things around for the troubled Polish club while simultaneously preparing Ukraine's national squad for their important qualification matches? Basketball fans will be watching closely.