DIJON (EuroBasket 2011) - Finland boss Henrik Dettmann has accepted an offer to coach French strugglers JDA Dijon.

The 51-year-old has replaced Randoald Dessarzin following his sacking by the club last week.

After the season, Dettmann will turn his attention back to Finland and lead them against Latvia, Israel, Italy and Montenegro in EuroBasket 2011 Qualifying Group A.

Dijon have won just four of their 15 games in the French top flight this season.

“Coaching is a firefighter's job from time to time,” Dettmann said.

“It's time to throw on again the neck brace and fireman’s overalls …”

French basketball fans and especially those of Dijon will know Dettmann well.

He led Finland to a victory over France in the Additional Qualifying Round for EuroBasket 2009.

Although the French eventually progressed and the Finns did not, Dettmann made a very good impression.

Dijon supporters will also remember Dettmann from the FIBA Europe Cup Final of 2004.

Dettmann was the coach of a good Mitteldeutscher BC team, which included Lithuania national team center Marijonas Petravicius, and guided them to victory over Dijon in the Final that was played in Izmir, Turkey.

In addition, the Helsinki native also coached Germany’s national side from 1997 to 2003. He led them to a bronze medal at the 2002 FIBA World Championship in Indianapolis.

“I am grateful to the (Finnish Basketball Association) leadership for allowing me the opportunity to take up the challenge,” Dettmann said.

“The new environment and situation of immersion helps every coach. I see this as a fine opportunity to learn.”

On his 2002 Germany team was Dirk Nowitzki.

It was Dettmann’s ability to work with all sorts of players, from the anonymous to the famous, and his ability to win big games, that attracted Dijon.

Dijon general manager Philippe Sudre said: “He was currently available and his profile has interested us because he knows how to handle the stars."

FIBA