Christian Narciso named Hibernians coach

In a summer of changes within Hibernians BC, another has been now confirmed as Italian mentor Christian Narciso becomes the club’s new head coach for the coming season, the club has announced.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Christian Narciso as the new Head Coach for our Men’s Senior Team,” a Hibs statement read.

“We can’t wait to see him lead our squad to new heights this season. Let’s give him a warm welcome and get ready for an incredible journey ahead!”

Sources had told Malta Basketball that former Mellieha Libertas coach Narciso was top of Hibs’ shortlist to replace Christos Kousidis, who was dismissed earlier this month. 

At the beginning of July, Hibernians announced their latest appointments as part of a restructuring of the club ahead of next season which brought to the Paolite club the former Athleta mentor who managed to secure playoff basketball for the side after several years in the shadows.

However, after internal issues, the two parties sought different futures and while Kousidis is on the verge of a move to Serbia to join Red Star as part of the team’s staff for preseason, the club was looking to confirm the Greek coach’s replacement ahead of their own preseason which was set to start in the latter part of August. 

⚫️⚪️ Sources tell me the Hibs-Christian Narciso appointment is good to go! The two parties had been in discussions earlier this summer before Hibs signed Christos Kousidis as their new coach ahead of internal issues that led to his dismissal… announcement soon ⏳#MaltaBasketball pic.twitter.com/FgAVe9FJUd

— Kurt Aquilina (@14Aquilina) August 25, 2024

In turn, Narciso, who is said to have been approached before talks with Kousidis had begun after last season, was contacted for the role again.

The Italian mentor had been out of a contract since the end of his stint in the Italian Serie B with Orlandina and while rumours had pitted him as the returning Mellieha coach, the Northern club opted out of the new Division One season earlier this summer. 

Now, Narciso brings to Paola his Serie B experience as well as the knowledge from his past stint in Malta at Libertas where he won the Louis Borg Cup in 2023.

Hibs have already secured the extension of Serbian center Ivan Demcesen and the signing of former Athleta forward Matthew Gouder. Meanwhile, guard Nikola Vasovic has departed the club in favour of a move to Valletta Basketball Club.