Adrian Baldacchino is the new Depiro women's coach for the coming season. Photo: Wally Galea
Baldacchino moves to new challenge after winning amateur league
Depiro BC announced their new women’s team coach when they named former Amateur League coach Adrian Baldacchino on Thursday.
Baldacchino replaces former women’s side mentor Fatih Dedeoglu who is looking to be headed towards Starlites Naxxar and will bring with him the experience of having been the sides’ second-tier shot caller.
In the Amateur League, Baldacchino had taken the side to an impressive unbeaten regular season, the side winning 10 games on the trot, and eventually won the title in the playoff finals against Balkan Fusion who had been their closest rivals all season.
In a statement, the new coach insisted he wanted to see a greater following for the women’s sport.
“I’m looking forward to leading this young energetic group of women for the upcoming season,” he said.
“The local talent in this team is something to be very proud of. We are working hard to have good performances that will lead to a greater following for women’s basketball.”
Baldacchino will also have Depiro Amateur team player David Camilleri with him as his assistant, the veteran player having been involved with the club for a number of years.
The team boasts numerous local players with many being part of the Malta National Team setup at various age groups. However, Baldacchino will now have at his disposal a variety of players in different roles, most recently guard duo Kristy Galea and Sophie Abela who both return to the local game after time spent in the US playing at collegiate level.
Besides the newcomers, Depiro has so far kept hold of key players who have been in other clubs’ targets over the summer which saw them take part in the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE 2023).
Club CEO Ruben Baldacchino praised the new coach and said the club’s investment in the women’s sector should be a step forward towards long-term success.
“I am confident that Coach Adrian’s (Baldacchino) expertise will lead our women to a successful season,” he said.
“His great work in recent years in the Amateur league has shown that he’s the right man for the job. The club management has worked hard and invested a lot in the women’s sector.
“Coach Adrian will be assisted by Coach David Camilleri who I believe they’ll form a great coaching team.”
