As Marv Albert announced during Friday's Raptor game, London wasn't Mike Fratello's only stop in Europe this week. On Thursday, the YES color man was in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, to be introduced as the next coach of that country's national team, his first gig since leaving Memphis in 2007.
Fratello, 64, was hired by a former player of his, Ukraine federation president Alexander Volkov. He will coach the Ukrainian National Team in the 2011 FIBA European Basketball Championship, which will be hosted by Lithuania this summer.
"I’m honored that Alexander Volkov and the Ukrainian Basketball Federation have afforded me this terrific opportunity to coach in an international competition," said Fratello, who will continue broadcasting.
- Fratello now onboard the Ukraine Train - Jeff Taylor - FIBA Europe
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On the Road with Mike: EuroBasket 2011 - MikeFratello.com