Diamantakos aims to unify Azerbaijan women’s basketball system

Ioannis Diamantakos, head coach of Azerbaijan’s women’s basketball team, aims to establish a unified playing identity and a consistent development system across age groups. He said he wants the national team’s style of play to reflect the character and fighting spirit of the Azerbaijani people.

Diamantakos said work has begun on a coordinated development plan spanning all levels, from the U-14 team to the senior squad. The plan’s main areas include technical preparation, tactical principles and cooperation among coaching staffs. He identified defensive determination, fighting spirit and varied offense as defining features of the team.

Young players to take on key role

The coach said the team wants to build a squad with long-term potential beyond the games scheduled during the November and February international windows. No specific targets have been set for the number of wins or the final standings. The main priorities are establishing a playing style, developing players and ensuring continuity between age groups.

Diamantakos said the team is considering bringing players from the 3x3 squad into the senior national team, with any decision depending on several factors. He also said he hopes a strong women’s league can be established in Azerbaijan, allowing players to pursue professional careers at home.

The coach, who holds a doctorate in psychology, said his expertise in the field helps him better understand players. In his view, coaches must continue to learn and develop.

Context

Ioannis Diamantakos was appointed head coach of Azerbaijan’s women’s national basketball team and coordinator of women’s teams across all age groups on September 29. The Azerbaijan Basketball Federation signed a two-year contract with the Greek coach.