News: Beşiktaş hire Ataman as coach

Less than 24 hours after the dismissal of Burak Bıyıktay, Beşiktaş already found their new head coach: Ergin Ataman.
The 44-year-old Ataman, who had last coached Efes Pilsen, agreed to lead Beşiktaş for the remaining of the season and one more year. This is actually a return for the Turkish coach, as he was already with the team during the 2007-2008 season.
Previously Ataman coached Türk Telekom Ankara, Pınar Karşıyaka, Siena, Fenerbahçe and Fortitudo Bologna. He was also assistant coach of the Turkish national team. His achievements include a Saporta Cup title, a Turkish championship and a Turkish Cup.
Beşiktaş, who recently hired former NBA superstar Allen Iverson, are in a difficult situation after failing to reach the Last 16 stage of the Eurocup with just two wins in the regular season. Domestically they are seventh in the standings with a 7-5 record.


Source: bjk.com.tr

News: Iverson set to join Beşiktaş

After months of speculation which included a return to the NBA and the Chinese CBA, Allen Iverson will finally move to Turkey and join Beşiktaş following intense negotiations. The former NBA MVP is set to sign a two-year-deal this week worth nearly 3 million euros and is expected to start working with his new teammates next week. According to the contract, Iverson may leave the team at the end of the current season.
An unsigned player until now, the 35-year-old guard last played for the club of his life, the Philadelphia 76ers, to where he returned after stints in the Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies. Recently he battled against alcohol and family problems.
Last season, Beşiktaş reached the playoff semi-finals of the Turkish league, but fell to Efes Pilsen (3-0). They're taking part in the Eurocup this season.


Source: hurriyet.com.tr