In a historic achievement for both himself and Lithuanian basketball, Sarunas Jasikevicius has been voted the 2024–25 EuroLeague Coach of the Year after leading Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul to a remarkable season. This accolade marks a significant milestone as Jasikevicius becomes the first Lithuanian head coach to earn this prestigious honor, and notably, the first individual to be recognized as EuroLeague champion as a player and best coach.
Jasikevicius's journey to the top of the coaching ranks has been nothing short of impressive. Despite facing a slew of injuries that plagued his roster throughout the season, he managed to guide Fenerbahce to a commendable second-place finish in the regular season with a 23–11 record. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy considering the challenges he encountered, including the season-ending ACL injury to star guard Scottie Wilbekin just 125 seconds into the campaign.
As the 49-year-old head coach reflects on this achievement, he acknowledges the support of his players and coaching staff. "This award is not just for me; it represents the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with Fenerbahce," Jasikevicius stated. His tenure at the helm has been characterized by a blend of tactical innovation and emotional leadership, which has resonated with both players and fans alike.
The recognition from his peers in the EuroLeague is a testament to Jasikevicius's ability to adapt and thrive under pressure. He edged out Georgios Bartzokas of Olympiacos Piraeus in the voting, with Gordon Herbert of FC Bayern Munich and Tiago Splitter of Paris Basketball tying for third place. Other notable coaches who received votes include Luca Banchi of Anadolu Efes Istanbul and Joan Penarroya of FC Barcelona, showcasing the competitive nature of this year's award.
Throughout the season, Jasikevicius's Fenerbahce squad displayed resilience, overcoming a series of injuries to key players like Wade Baldwin, Devon Hall, and Dyshawn Pierre. Remarkably, only three players—Nigel Hayes-Davis, Bonzie Colson, and Nicolo Melli—managed to play in all 34 regular-season games. The team's depth was tested, but Jasikevicius’s strategic adjustments allowed Fenerbahce to maintain a competitive edge.
Fenerbahce's season was highlighted by multiple six-game winning streaks, with impressive victories on the road against formidable opponents such as Virtus Segafredo Bologna and Olympiacos. The team tied for the most road wins in the league, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure away from home.
Jasikevicius's coaching prowess has not gone unnoticed, as he now enters an elite group of coaches who have received the Coach of the Year award. He joins the ranks of legends like Zeljko Obradovic, who has won the award three times, as well as Georgios Bartzokas, Ettore Messina, Pablo Laso, and Dimitris Itoudis, who have all been recognized for their exceptional contributions to the sport.
Looking ahead, Jasikevicius has set his sights on further glory, aiming to replicate his success as a player by winning the EuroLeague as a coach. Only three individuals have achieved this remarkable feat in the past: Lolo Sainz, Armenak Alachachian, and Svetislav Pesic, who won as a player in 1979 and as a coach in 2003. With the momentum from this season's accolades, Jasikevicius is poised to make a strong push for that coveted title.
As the EuroLeague playoffs approach, the anticipation surrounding Fenerbahce's potential is palpable. The team has demonstrated its capability to compete at the highest level, and with Jasikevicius at the helm, fans are hopeful for a deep playoff run. The upcoming matches will serve as a proving ground for Fenerbahce's resilience and determination under Jasikevicius's leadership.
In conclusion, Sarunas Jasikevicius's recognition as the 2024–25 EuroLeague Coach of the Year not only celebrates his individual achievements but also highlights the strength of Lithuanian basketball on the international stage. As he continues to inspire his team and lead Fenerbahce into the playoffs, the basketball world will be watching closely to see if he can add another EuroLeague title to his impressive resume.
