LORENZO OUT, NATE IN AT GB
- Updated: July 25, 2019
Alberto Lorenzo’s tenure as Great Britain’s head coach is over.
It is understood that NBA G-League coach, and former GB international, Nate Reinking will take over for August’s four-game campaign against Kosovo and Luxembourg, as first reported by Hoopsfix. He was previously an assistant under Joe Prunty.
Lorenzo resigned having never officially lost the interim tag that had been there since he first took the role in February 2018 following the abrupt departure of Tony Garbelotto.
MVP understands that he asked British Basketball’s board for a formal deal covering two international windows – and full rights to select his own players – in talks ahead of the forthcoming EuroBasket pre-qualifiers following outline discussions that might have seen a second-string squad selected for budgetary reasons before the idea was rejected.
Having failed to reach a satisfactory agreement, he leaves with a share of the best competitive record in charge with a .500 mark (4-4).
“I feel very sad for not being able to be with the team this summer,†Lorenzo told MVP. “Beyond the circumstances that have caused it, the team is my second family and I really value the human group, the commitment that the players have always shown as well as the coaching staff, who has been able to work in difficult conditions.
“I am convinced that, with this group of players and staff, the results will arrive sooner rather than later.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity that GB basketball gave me a few years ago. It has been one of my best experiences, professional and personal. From now on, I am one of the most fervent fans of the team.“
Reinking, who now is at the Canton Charge, is expected to name a largely full-strength team for training camp later this week although it is unclear whether the London 2012 Olympian and his staff will be paid for their work after Lorenzo was asked to work for free during the previous EuroBasket qualification round in February.
Should GB survive their forthcoming tests, they would advance to the qualifiers proper for the 2021 Euros and a group which includes Germany, Montenegro and France.
Photo: AhmedPhotos
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