Hapoel Tel Aviv Coach Dimitris Itoudis Reflects on CSKA Career and NBA Ambitions
Hapoel Tel Aviv coach Dimitris Itoudis recalled his clash with Milos Teodosic at CSKA Moscow and discussed potential NBA ambitions and EuroLeague expansion.
Hapoel Tel Aviv head coach Dimitris Itoudis recently appeared on the Serbian basketball podcast "X&O's," where he reflected on his illustrious coaching career and his time at CSKA Moscow. During the interview, the 56-year-old Greek tactician recalled a heated confrontation with star guard Milos Teodosic that ultimately reshaped the player's mindset and paved the way to a EuroLeague championship.
"I remember telling Milos something that was hard for him to hear. It hurt him, but I think that moment woke him up," Itoudis said, looking back at CSKA's 2015 Final Four semifinal defeat. "I asked him, 'What is written here?' and he answered, 'Teodosic.' I told him, 'Does it say loser or winner? You are a winner, and you need to act like one.' He is a winner at heart."
Itoudis explained that the frank exchange was part of a broader effort to transform the Serbian star's professional habits. According to the coach, Teodosic needed to alter his approach to training, teammates, the game, and coaching staff. Public criticism was difficult for the player to accept, but it delivered the desired competitive results.
Ambitions and NBA Aspirations
Asked about his future career goals and whether he still harbors ambitions of becoming an NBA head coach, Itoudis made it clear he is open to new challenges. His response underscored his drive for ambitious projects, echoing the vision that brought him to Israeli basketball.
"I am drawn to anything that has a vision. When I see a vision that can truly contribute to basketball, it attracts me. I am ready to go there, whether it is the NBA, European basketball, or another role where I can continue helping the sport develop," Itoudis stated.
The Hapoel Tel Aviv coach also weighed in on potential structural changes in European basketball and a future collaboration with the NBA. He expressed hope for a unified global competition featuring thirty clubs, culminating in high-stakes playoff series watched by passionate fans across Europe, Israel, and beyond.
