Peachtree Hoops: FIBA Eurobasket: Former Hawks Coach Mike Fratello To Lead Ukraine National Team

[Hawksquawk]

Former Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Fratello is returning to the bench this summer as head coach of the Ukraine National Team that will be participating in 2011 FIBA Eurobasket tournament in Lithuania. Fratello spent seven seasons as head coach of the Hawks winning 50 games for four consecutive seasons from 1985-1988. After leaving Atlanta, Fratello had head coaching stints in Cleveland and Memphis and is now a full time broadcaster for the New Jersey Nets. During his career Fratello has amassed a career record of 667-548. 

Fratello was charged with the task of helping rebuild the Ukraine's basketball program by former Hawks forward Alexander "Sasha" Volkov who was elected as head of the Ukrainian Basketball Federation in 2007. Fratello is currently chronicling his story with the Ukraine team on his personal blog. Currently the team is in training camp for the Eurobasket Tournament that begins on August 31.

Hawks 2009 second round pick Sergii Gladyr is also a part of the Ukraine National Team and will be playing for Fratello in the tournament.  

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