February 08, 2012
Euroleague mourns Bulgarian legend Bozhidar Takev
Bozhidar Takev, Bulgarian legend (1920-2009)One of Europe's most legendary coaches and a key figure in Bulgarian basketball history, Bozhidar Takev, has passed away at the age of 89. Takev was a former player, referee, and coach that took part in the first two European Cup title games. He coached Academic Sofia to the European Cup final in 1958 and 1959, losing both years against ASK Riga, led by another coaching legend, the late Alexander Gomelskiy. He also won the University World Championship with Sofia in 1957. Takev was a professor at Sofia's Polytechnic University as well as being the Bulgarian basketball federation president. He was also listed as an assistant coach of the Phoenix Suns in 1985, helping Georgi Glouchkov, the first player from Eastern Europe to play in the NBA. Takev's nicknamed in Bulgaria, where he was a legend, was "Sir Bo". He also took part in two EuroBaskets, as a player - in 1947 - and as a coach - in 1955. In addition, he translated and distributed basketball books in Bulgaria to promote the sport. As a referee, Takev officiated the 1960 Olympic showdown between the Soviet Union and the United States. Takev is listed as one of the candidates to make it to the FIBA Hall of Fame as a contributor. In 2008, Takev took part in the Euroleague's half-century celebration, 50 Years of European Club Basketball, an an honoree among other legends in an emotional ceremony minutes before the 2007-08 ULEB Cup opening game between ASK and Lukoil Academic - the same rivals from that historic first European Cup final in 1959. Euroleague mourns Takev's passing and expresses its condolences to the Bulgarian basketball family.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Euroleague.net
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