China News Service, September 13, According to news from the Beijing Shougang Club of the CBA League, the team has reached an agreement with the Italian coach Simone Pianigiani and signed a multi-year contract.
From now on, he will serve as the head coach of Beijing Shougang Men's Basketball Team, leading the team in the 2020-21 CBA League.
Simon Payagani.
Photo courtesy of Shougang Club
At the same time, as an excellent young coach with great potential, Xie Libin will continue to serve as the assistant coach of the team as an important member of the Pajagani coaching team.
Before the head coach Pajagani arrived at the team to report, the coach continued to lead the team training.
Since the offseason, Beijing Shougang Basketball Club Basketball Operations President Rick Sander and the management have been worrying about the team's command.
"During the selection process of the head coach, we were fortunate to invite Simon Payagani as the head coach of the Beijing Shougang Men's Basketball Team. He is one of the most successful coaches in the history of European basketball and has an impressive coaching record. We are very honored to have such a high level and rich experience as a coach to join." Rick Sander said.
Simon Payagani.
Photo courtesy of Shougang Club
Qin Xiaowen, President of Shougang Sports and Chairman of Beijing Shougang Basketball Club, said: “Coach Pajagani is not only the most successful coach in Italy, but also one of the most respected and best coaches in Europe. I believe he can rely on his rich experience in success. And the outstanding modern basketball concept to create a better and stronger Shougang men’s basketball team. At the same time, I also thank coach Yannis for his hard work and contributions in the past three years."
Pajagani was born on May 31, 1969, and started his coaching career in his hometown of Siena at the age of 26.
He has traveled all over Italy, Turkey and Israel.
So far, he has led three teams into the Champions League, which represents the highest level of European basketball.
During his coaching career, he won a total of 7 national championships, 5 National Cup titles and 7 Super Cup titles.
Among them, from 2009 to 2011, he led the Siena Mondipaz team to win the triple crown (league, cup and Super Cup) glory for three consecutive years.
Simon Payagani explained tactics during the game.
Photo courtesy of Shougang Club
At the same time, his excellent technical and tactical level was appreciated by the Italian Basketball Association, and therefore served as the head coach of the Italian men's basketball team from 2009-15, leading his team to the European Championships three times.
In 2017-19, Pajagani served as the coach of the Milan Olympia team and won 1 league title and 2 Super Cup titles during this period.
“I’m very excited to join the Beijing Shougang Men’s Basketball Team, a club with top Asian influence. From the first conversation with Chairman Qin Xiaowen and President Rick, I have felt the fit with them. I am looking forward to joining the team. The team will work hard to compete in the next high-level season," Pajagani said. (Finish)