1. Can you introduce yourself?

"Hello, my name is Manuel Markov and I am from Bulgaria. From next season on, I will be the Youth Coordinator and coach at BBC Gréngewald Hueschtert."

 

2. What has been your career path so far? 

"In the last season, I was the head coach of the women's team of BC Montana 2003, with which we finished in second place in the Bulgarian championship and at the fourth place in the Adriatic League. I have eight years of experience as a Sports director and coach at BC Buba Basketball - the best youth academy in Bulgaria for the last ten years. I have led the national teams of Bulgaria for men U16 (once) and U18 (three times) in European championships. I also have two years of experience as the head coach of the men's team  of Levski 2014 - a participant in the Bulgarian championship, as well as in the Balkan Basketball League (BIBL)."
 

3. Have you played basketball or are you maybe still playing?

"I started playing basketball at 15 and ended my professional playing career at 26 due to several serious knee injuries. During my career I have played for the teams of Akademik Sofia, Levski Sofia, Spartak Euroins and Dunav Ruse. I have been part of the national teams of Bulgaria U18, U20 and the men's national team, with which I have participated in the European Championships, qualifications and three Universiade games. I currently play basketball with the kids I coach as well as with my son Yoan who is 10 and very passionate about the game."
 

4. What do you expect from Gréngewald?

"Certainly my work in Gréngewald will be a new challenge for me. I know that the club is very well structured - it has an excellent base and a strong organization. The fact that there are so many children of all ages in the club is a real asset and gives a very good foundation and perspective to work on. The fact that both the men's and women's teams play on highest level, gives a good incentive for all potential players to develop and strive to find their place in them. I hope to quickly settle into the rhythm of the club and I can't wait to start the real work. Next season we will have an excellent coaching team made up of specialists from different nationalities with different basketball philosophy. I am confident that we will provide everyone at the club with excellent opportunities for work and development."

 

5. Do you have any goals that you absolutely want to reach?

"Of course, I have set myself personal goals, but the most important thing is, that everyone in the club, independently at what level, to make a good collective. From my experience so far as Sports director at BC Buba Basketball, I know that the most important thing is to make a good team, with a good relationship between management, coaches, players and parents. Therefore, my expectations are that we will do exactly that and that Gréngewald will be a united basketball community, where everyone is happy and the players have conditions for maximum professional development."

6. What do you like to do best in your job?

"The greatest joy in my youth work is seeing the development of the kids I work with – not just as basketball players, but as persons. The most valuable thing is to see, that you have positively influenced a child and motivated him or her to improve, to pursue his or her goals and dreams. I feel lucky as I have the chance for my profession to be what has been my hobby all my life and what I love - basketball."