Spanish sensation Rudy Fernandez is firmly in national team boss Moncho Lopez's Olympic plans, the coach confirmed on Monday afternoon.

The forward, just 18 years old, underlined his immense potential with three dynamic performances for DKV Joventut in the Copa del Rey as they finished runners-up to Tau Ceramica.

Germany have officially called time on coach Henrik Dettman following the country's early exit from the European Championships in Sweden. Dettman, who is also a coach in the Bundesliga, was under pressure to challenge for the title with the presence of Dallas Mavericks superstar Dirk Nowitzki in his line-up.

Following the meeting of the FIBA Europe Board in November 2002, it was decided that a new system of qualification would be implemented for the 2005 European Championship for Men.

Carlo Recalcati’s bronze-medal winning heroics as the Azzurri boss at the European Championships have landed him a new job in the Italian top flight.

Montepaschi Siena have signed the 58-year-old coach to a two-year contract and allowed him to remain in charge of Italy, which means he will oversee their preparations for next summer’s Olympic Games and then coach them in Athens.