ANKARA (World Championship) – Russia coach David Blatt made the surprise announcement after leading his side to victory over Ivory Coast on Tuesday that this summer will be his last with the national team.

Following Russia’s 72-66 win over the African country, Blatt said: “I have been coaching the same national team for six years, now. I gave it all my heart.

“I have had enough.

“I just don’t want to coach the national team anymore.” 

Blatt, despite the absence of Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko and point guard JR Holden, and an injury that has sidelined Viktor Khryapa, has led the national side to two wins in three games in Group C of the FIBA World Championship.

The American-born Israeli was in June appointed as coach of European giants Maccabi Tel Aviv for the second time.

Blatt has a special place in Russian basketball history after leading the national team to one of the biggest upsets in EuroBasket history.

His team made an unexpected run to the Final of EuroBasket 2007 and shocked hosts Spain in Madrid.

FIBA

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