Igor Kokoskov to get second interview with Phoenix Suns
Apr 29, 2018, 7:48 PM | Updated: Apr 30, 2018, 8:28 am
Igor Kokoskov will get a second interview with the Phoenix Suns for the head coaching job, reported 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s John Gambadoro.
Kokoskov is an assistant coach for the Utah Jazz and was the Slovenia national team head coach from 2016-17.
He was an assistant coach with the Suns from 2008-13.
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The first interview took place over the phone in between games two and three of the Jazz’s first-round playoff matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Jazz defeated the Thunder and are now playing the Houston Rockets in the second round.
New Orleans Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry told 98.7 FM’s Arizona’s Sports Station’s Burns & Gambo Kokoskov is ready to be a head coach.
Gentry was the Suns head coach while Kokoskov was an assistant.
“He’s had some great head coaching experience internationally,” Gentry said. “I think he’s very much ready to be a head coach. I think he understands the game, (he’s) got great personal relationships with the players … he’s got great temperament. I think he would be a great choice.”
Kokoskov led Slovenia to a 2017 EuroBasket tournament championship despite the team having the ninth-highest odds to win.
He was with Utah as the team managed not only to get over the loss of star Gordon Hayward, but to fight for home court advantage for the playoffs and upset the Thunder to get to the second round. Donovan Mitchell, picked No. 13 overall in the draft, is a Rookie of the Year candidate.
The Suns have a need for coaches with the ability to develop players. They played with one of the youngest lineups in the league, and will have another pick in the top four this year.
One option is Luka Doncic, a Slovenian player.
Earlier today, the Suns told interim head coach Jay Triano he would not be considered for the head coaching job, Gambadoro reported.
