Ettore Messina Steps Down as Real Madrid Coach, Next Raptor Coach?

[Built Ford Tough]

The shock heard 'round the Euroleague early on Friday has proven to be true this afternoon: Ettore Messina, one of the head coaching giants in the sport, has resigned from the Real Madrid bench. His decision came swiftly on Friday, the morning after what had been an unbeaten Top 16 until then ended Thursday night with a 77-95 home loss to Montepaschi Siena. Both teams were qualified for the playoffs and Madrid had already clinched first place in their group, so the game was essentially meaningless. But obviously not for Messina, who arrived to Madrid two summers ago, but was unable to win a trophy yet for the club with the most European club titles, but none since 1995.

 

http://www.euroleague.net/news/i/83153/180/in-shocker-messina-steps-down-at-madrid

 

I know that it doesn't say anything about him actually heading to the NBA, much less to Toronto, but if you recall a few years back, there were a bunch of rumors abuot him making his way to Toronto to coach the Raptors. He has held basketball clinics in Toronto before so he obviously enjoys the city. Colangelo has mentioned his name as one of his favourite coaches plenty of times before and with so many people calling for Triano's head, it makes you wonder if next season the Raptors might see Messina on the sidelines. I know that Colangelo has expressed his support for Triano, but lets face it, the guy is better off as an assistaint who focuses on player development, like he was for the last 8 years or so before he was hired as Mitchell's replacement. He just fits that role better if you ask me.

 

Messina is supposed to be a great teacher for young players (at least according to some things I've read, he is also supposed to be a real hard ass as well) which makes it make even more sense that a coaching job in Toronto is, at the very least, a possibility.

 

Again, not saying that there is even any sort of rumor about him coming to Torono as this is purely speculation on my part.

Edited March 4, 2011 by Built Ford Tough

[Check my Stats]

Ugh. It really would be nice to for once hire a proven NBA coach.

[Built Ford Tough]

Ugh. It really would be nice to for once hire a proven NBA coach.

 

I'd at least settle for a proven head coach in general and at least Messina fits that bill.

 

Its not like proven NBA coaches like Jeff Van Gundy, Larry Brown (just throwing names out here) or guys like that are going to flock to Toronto to coach this team anyways. At least Messina has proven to be a good coach at a high level of basketball. I'd rather take a guy that has at least proven the ability to be a head coach at a professional level than hiring another "top notch" assistaint like Kevin O'Neil, Sam Mitchell or Jay Triano.