Oleksiy Yefimov, the general manager of Monaco, gave an extensive interview to Basketball Sphere in which he discussed the departure of Sasa Obradovic, the arrival of Vassilis Spanoulis, Mike James’ influence on the decision regarding the new head coach, the EuroLeague A license, and numerous other topics.
From season to season, Monaco’s goals keep growing. When they broke through last year and reached the EuroLeague Final Four, it was a testament to the significant rise of a project whose ambitions match those of the biggest clubs, a group Monaco now belongs to. And why wouldn’t they, when they are led by one of the best scorers in the history of the elite competition, Mike James, surrounded by both offensive and defensive talent?
Ensuring everything aligns as it should is the responsibility of the front office, which influences the setting of high goals during the offseason—a period in which Monaco is considered by many to be the “king.” They’ve earned the title of “offseason king” or “transfer window king” for two key reasons: their ability to retain their best player, Mike James, for the long term, and the core team that supports him.
All of this is a prerequisite for achieving successful results and what Monaco is currently striving for—the EuroLeague title. In this sense, Monaco, along with Mike James and Alpha Diallo, embodies the identity of this team. Diallo is a versatile player who doesn’t mind not scoring a single point but is equally capable of dominating the scoreboard, as he demonstrated against Panathinaikos.
Until recently, Monaco’s front office also viewed Sasa Obradovic as part of the team’s identity. However, after several highly successful seasons, they decided to make a change. Following 11 EuroLeague rounds and a 7-4 record, they brought in Vassilis Spanoulis, a rising star among coaches. Monaco’s general manager, Oleksiy Yefimov, explained at the start of his interview with Basketball Sphere that it wasn’t easy to part ways with a coach who had spent years building the modern history of Monaco.
“It was incredibly tough”, said Oleksiy Yefimov to Basketball Sphere. “Especially when you consider the longstanding relationship we’ve built. Sasa has been more than a coach; he’s been a guiding force behind some of our most memorable victories and our most challenging setbacks. He deserves true recognition for his work, particularly for leading the team to three consecutive EuroLeague playoff appearances and a historic Final Four in 2023. This achievement solidified Monaco’s place as a EuroLeague powerhouse. That legacy will forever be a part of Sasa’s and the club’s history.”
“We’ve fallen into concerning habits”
Many were surprised by this decision, especially considering the EuroLeague results. On the other hand, there is a sense that Obradović had been close to parting ways several times before.
“The decision regarding Sasa’s departure was not based on our results in either the domestic league or the EuroLeague. Consistency and stability have been central to our team’s identity under Sasa’s leadership. While we’ve often struggled at the start of seasons, we’ve always found our rhythm and delivered stable performances. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case this time.”
He then provided a more detailed explanation.
,,Despite maintaining a positive winning percentage in the Euroleague, the team has struggled to deliver consistent, high-quality basketball. We’ve fallen into concerning habits and have yet to find the rhythm that defines a true title contender. This inconsistency made the decision inevitable. With our sights set on the highest goals, we believed a coaching change was the only way to shake things up, refocus the team, and rebuild the habits needed to compete with the EuroLeague’s elite”, said Oleksiy Yefimov.
Oleksiy Yefimov on Vassilis Spanoulis arrival
Things in France weren’t going so well, after all. Starting with the loss to Saint Quentin in the first round, there were other negative surprises as well. The most recent one, against Le Mans, seems to have been the tipping point.
“In Monaco, striving for the best is ingrained in our DNA. It’s an unspoken rule: only the highest goals are acceptable. Before the season, the President made it clear – we must dominate in France and maintain our consistency as a Final Four contender. Achieving both remains our plan, even in the face of current challenges.”
And so they decided to bring in Vassilis Spanoulis as a replacement. There was talk of other, perhaps more proven names, considering that this will be the Greek coach’s first EuroLeague appointment, but that didn’t stop Monaco from taking this step.
“From my perspective, every dismissal is, first and foremost, about the next hiring. When the club made the very difficult decision to part ways with Sasa Obradovic – a decision that was challenging both personally, given the long-standing and excellent relationship we have shared with him, and professionally, as a midseason coaching change always carries significant risks – the main question became: what comes next? Who is the right person to lead this project to new heights? For us, there was no better name than Spanoulis. He is the best one who can immediately align with the club’s on-court ambitions and broader vision off the court.”
“Strategic decision that reflects our ambition to elevate Monaco’s status in European basketball”
Monaco’s new head coach’s playing career is very well known. He will try to bring all of that to the court as well.
“Vassilis is a fierce competitor and a time proven winner, with an incredible reputation and unparalleled recognition in the basketball world. His leadership qualities and his deep – if not unique – understanding of the game were pivotal to our decision.
He has the ability to inspire players and the commitment to excellence that perfectly aligns with Monaco’s vision. For the club, this is more than just signing a coach; it’s a strategic decision that reflects our ambition to elevate Monaco’s status in European basketball. Spanoulis arrival shows that the Roca Team doesn’t want to stop taking an increasingly important part of the basketball map.”
What impressed Oleksiy Yefimov the most about him?
“Honestly, his passion for basketball is truly inspiring – it’s more than a profession for him; it’s a calling! The moment you engage with him, you immediately recognize the traits of a true winner. Leadership is something you’re born with, and Spanoulis embodies it fully. His focus on discipline, dedication, and hard work stood out to me.
He is fair and straightforward: either you embrace his philosophy and his winning mentality, rooted in family values, or you step aside. I admire this approach. I think Vassilis is the person who can establish a winning culture here!”
“A coach whose vision and philosophy players would follow without question”
How big is the risk considering that this will be Spanoulis’ first EuroLeague experience? After all, Zeljko Obradovic won the elite competition with Partizan in his debut season…
“Vassilis was very careful in building his career. He worked hard and chosen smarth pathway in order to be ready when he arrived in the EuroLeague. He started in the youth categories before taking charge of Peristeri and the Greek national team. But can we say that a coach lacks experience when he successfully manages one of the best players in the world (Giannis Antetokounmpo)?
Of course not. I think we can’t talk about a lack of experience when it comes to him. Spanoulis’s legacy as a player is unmatched, and I’m confident he is determined to build a similar legacy as a coach. He is a young coach, just as Monaco is a young and ambitious project, and we are eager to combine our strengths to create a shared legacy”, said Oleksiy Yefimov.
There is no doubt that every coach must somehow adapt to the best player on the team. The impression is that James has a very good connection with Spanoulis. How much did that influence the decision?
“Our approach was a bit different: we wanted someone at the helm of the team who has a personality big enough to command respect from every and any player. A coach whose vision and philosophy players would follow without question. Vassilis’s recognition in the basketball world is beyond doubt.”
On the rivalry with Paris and the A license
Monaco does not hide the fact that they want to obtain an A license in the near future, in order to take another step toward becoming part of the most elite group in the EuroLeague. On the other hand, the European competition has long stated that Paris is an extremely important market. Taking that into account, as well as their results in the EuroLeague, there is no doubt that Tiago Splitter’s team is well positioned on the new stage. How concerned is Monaco about this? There may not be room for two more teams from France when the decision about the A license is made.
“It’s fantastic to see Paris establishing itself on the French basketball map! Market needs healthy rivalry to grow! Real Madrid is strong with Barcelona; Panathinaikos with Olympiacos; we and Paris will become better together. The league needs new rivalries, big cities, and opportunities for growth. Paris brings its own unique strengths, while we have our distinct advantages. I truly believe that both projects can coexist and contribute meaningfully to the EuroLeague. Competition like this only helps elevate the league, the sport, and the visibility of French basketball as a whole.”
Since we’re already talking about the A license, Oleksiy Yefimov explained what Monaco’s strengths are in the fight for that.
,,Any team needs to add something significantly different that the others. Monaco is different! The Roca Team represents a unique and expansive market driven by its exclusivity and luxury appeal. It’s the kind of market that any league would want to leverage – and we’re just beginning to realize its full potential. Moreover, Monaco’s impact on the EuroLeague is already evident. Before we joined, the French basketball market was underdeveloped in terms of EuroLeague engagement. The base of EuroLeague TV subscribers in France was four times smaller, there were no major TV deals, and no companies were willing to invest in or promote the league. Monaco’s involvement has helped elevate the product, attracting more attention and investment.”
He then made his point, using an example from the NBA.
“Even in the short term, Monaco has proven its ability to add value to the EuroLeague. While we are still in the early stages of development, Monaco’s potential is limitless. Look at the hype surrounding Las Vegas as a sports destination. If the NBA is considering expansion into Las Vegas and LeBron James has expressed interest in owning a team there, it highlights how major sports leagues view destination cities as critical to their growth. Monaco could serve as the EuroLeague’s equivalent to Las Vegas – a unique, luxurious destination with growing appeal and potential.”
Would the counterargument be that Monaco lacks tradition?
“When people claim Monaco lacks legacy, I encourage them to rewatch The Last Dance. Michael Jordan himself called the 1992 game in Monaco, played just before the Barcelona Olympics, between the Dream Team and French national team the best basketball game ever. That moment underscores Monaco’s historic connection to basketball excellence.”
Another thing Monaco will need to adapt to in the future is the salary cap, which the EuroLeague plans to introduce. What’s important is that the aforementioned rules will not come into effect until the 2027/28 season, to allow teams a transition period.
The amount of money clubs can spend will depend on whether they fall into the low, basic, or high wage category. What’s important is the establishment of financial fair play – any club that spends more than the high compensation level will have to pay compensation to the other clubs that adhere to the rules.
“The concept behind this initiative is both commendable and significant, as it aims to enhance the league’s competitiveness and foster greater balance among teams. This approach is crucial for increasing the league’s appeal and long-term growth. I fully support this idea. However, its success will depend on careful implementation and ongoing collaboration among all stakeholders to navigate the complexities of diverse financial landscapes. In its execution it’s important to elevate the group and not pull it down which takes us to the final step that European basketball needs – to find an economic model that allows necessary investment to come in.”
History doesn’t leave room for “what if”
At 38 years old, Oleksiy Yefimov is one of the youngest in his profession. There is certainly some pressure, given that he makes decisions that impact the results of one of the best teams in Europe.
“The pressure has been steadily growing over the past three years as we’ve consistently fought for a place in the play-offs and the Final Four. But pressure is something we embrace rather than fear. In fact, we view it as a driving force that motivates us to push harder and aim higher.”
Is there anything he would change in the course of his career so far, if he could?
“I believe the best thing you can do is to learn from your mistakes, and I try to remember mine so I don’t repeat them. History doesn’t leave room for “what if” or “could have, would have” scenarios. I also don’t like to think that way because every decision comes with its consequences. Even if a particular choice didn’t seem like the best one at the time, I can’t be sure what kind of impact it might have had in the long run. Each decision shapes the path ahead, and I choose to embrace that”, concluded Oleksiy Yefimov interview to Basketball Sphere.
