CBA Beijing Ducks appoint Simone Pianigiani as new head coach

BEIJING -- Italian Simone Pianigiani was appointed as the new head coach of the Beijing Ducks on Monday.

The Beijing Ducks have reached a multi-year agreement with Pianigiani, who will lead the team in the 2020-21 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season.

Qin Xiaowen, chairman of the Beijing Ducks said that Pianigiani is not only the most successful coach in Italy, but also one of the best coaches in Europe. "I believe he can build a better and stronger Beijing Ducks with rich experience and an excellent modern basketball concept," Qin said.

Pianigiani admitted that he is very excited to join Beijing Ducks, a club with top influence in Asia. He said he is looking forward to working hard with the team in the next season.

The 51-year-old started his coaching career in his hometown of Siena at the age of 26. He has traveled all over Italy, Turkey and Israel. So far, he has led three teams into the Euroleague, which represents the highest level of European basketball.

During his coaching career, he won seven national championships, five national cup championships and seven super cup championships.