BG Göttingen Pins Hopes on New Coach Mikko Riipinen to Avoid Relegation
The BG Göttingen basketball team is facing a critical juncture in their season, battling to avoid relegation from the Easycredit Basketball Bundesliga. After parting ways with coach Olivier Foucart, the club has swiftly appointed Mikko Riipinen as his successor.
Riipinen, a 37-year-old Swedish-Finnish coach, has committed to Göttingen through 2026, demonstrating his dedication to the team’s long-term success. Notably, his contract extends to the ProA league, indicating the club’s preparedness for any eventuality.
“We are relieved to have found a capable replacement for Olivier so quickly under these challenging circumstances,” stated BG Managing director Frank Meinertshagen. “Despite his relatively young age,Mikko brings a wealth of experience as a head coach and has achieved important success in Sweden.”
Riipinen arrives in Göttingen fresh off a successful stint with the Norrköping Dolphins,where he led the team to both the Swedish championship and cup victory. He also holds the prestigious position of Swedish national team coach, a role he will continue to fulfill alongside his duties with BG Göttingen.
Riipinen’s credentials were further solidified in November when his national team stunned Germany in a EuroBasket qualifier, securing a 73-72 victory against the 48th-ranked team in the world. This upset marked a surprising debut for new German head coach Alex Mumbru.
“I am incredibly honored to represent this club with its rich history,” said Riipinen, the three-time Swedish Coach of the Year. “I am eager to collaborate with the team and the dedicated individuals surrounding them, and I look forward to immersing myself in the city of Göttingen.”
He emphasized his unwavering commitment to the club, stating, “I will give everything for this team.”
Riipinen is expected to arrive in Göttingen on Thursday and will lead his first training session that afternoon. Assistant coach Kenneth Desloovere will continue in his role.
The new coach will make his debut on Saturday in a crucial away game against Syntainics MBC in Weißenfels,scheduled for 8:00 PM.
Can Mikko Riipinen Save BG Göttingen From Relegation?
Welcome back, basketball fans, to another exciting edition of Courtside Conversations! Today, I have the pleasure of sitting down with former ProA Coach, Stefan Hirsig, to dive deep into the recent coaching change at BG Göttingen. As you know, the club is in a precarious position, battling to avoid relegation from the EasyBasketball Bundesliga.
They’ve just appointed Mikko Riipinen,a 37-year-old Swedish-Finnish coach,as their new head coach. Stefan, what are your initial reactions to this appointment?
Stefan Hirsig: Well, itS certainly a bold move by BG Göttingen. Riipinen is young, but his pedigree is extraordinary. He’s led the Norrköping Dolphins to championships in Sweden and even has experience coaching the Swedish National Team. Taking the helm of a team fighting relegation is never easy, but his success leading the Dolphins under pressure speaks volumes.
Moderator: Absolutely. Riipinen comes with a wealth of experience, including a recent upset victory over Germany in a EuroBasket qualifier. That must be a confidence booster for the team.
Stefan Hirsig:
It definitely is. That victory showcased riipinen’s tactical acumen. It wasn’t just a win against a higher-ranked team; it was a statement.
Even though Germany is in a bit of a slump right now, beating them in their homeland is no small feat.
The players will be looking to him for motivation and guidance, especially in such a tight spot.
Moderator: BG Göttingen’s managing director Frank Meinertshagen mentioned Riipinen’s commitment to the club’s long-term success, citing a contract that extends to the ProA league, should they be relegated. Does this prove a lack of faith in staying in the Bundesliga,or could it be viewed as a sign of serious long-term planning?
Stefan Hirsig: It’s a bit of both,I believe. It shows pragmatic planning on Göttingen’s part. Being prepared for all eventualities is vital in professional sports, and they’ve clearly thought this through.
On the other hand, signing a coach of Riipinen’s caliber to a long-term contract suggests they are confident in his abilities to not only prevent relegation but also build something sustainable for the future.That speaks volumes about their faith in his vision.
Moderator: Riipinen takes over a team struggling to find its footing. What aspects of his coaching style, based on your knowledge, might help turn things around?
StefanHirsig: I think his experience coaching the Swedish National Team will be invaluable. National team coaching demands adaptability, the ability to quickly assess talent, and build chemistry amongst diverse players.
those are crucial skills for a team like Göttingen facing immediate challenges.
Riipinen needs to galvanize these players, instill a newfound belief, and unearth some hidden potential.
He’s known for his defensive intensity,which could be exactly what this team needs.
Moderator:
Sounds promising! Stefan, what’s your prediction for BG Göttingen’s fate this season? Can Riipinen pull off a miraculous rescue?
Stefan Hirsig: It’s a tall order, but I wouldn’t count them out.
Riipinen’s arrival has injected a wave of hope into the club.
The Bundesliga is incredibly competitive, but if he can instill discipline, foster teamwork, and bring out the best in these players, anything is possible.I’ll be watching their next game closely!
Moderator:
Great insight, Stefan! Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today.
Basketball fans, what are your thoughts?
Can Mikko Riipinen lead BG Göttingen to safety? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below! Let’s keep this conversation going!
