Russia national basketball team coach David Blatt wants to renew his contract after the Olympics, despite worries about overwork, he said Tuesday.
Blatt held talks with the Russian basketball authorities about leaving his post last year, but decided to stay. His contract with Russia runs out after the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
“I don’t want to leave,” Blatt said, adding that Maccabi Tel Aviv, the Israeli team where he also coaches, would not stand in the way of a contract extension.
Blatt’s only concern is overworking, he said, citing Maccabi’s 85 competitive games last season as an example of the pressure he is under.
“It’s not easy. When I finish the campaign I’ll sit down and I’ll decide whether I can keep doing it, and I’m sure the federation will also decide whether I’m the right guy.”
Regardless of whether he continues in the job, Blatt said he treasured the memories of his work with Russia so far.
“I’ve been here seven years now, which in this business, in the national team business is a lifetime. And I’ve enjoyed every single hour and every single day.
Blatt signed a two-year contract extension at Maccabi in February, with an option for a further year.
To make sure of a berth at the Olympics, Russia has to place in the top three at the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caracas, Venezuela, in July, a month before the Games begin.
Russia will play South Korea and the Dominican Republic in the opening group stage of the tournament.
