End of an Era: Club and Coach Valerii Plekhanov Separate
The basketball club Kharkiv Sokoly has officially ended its partnership with head coach Valerii Plekhanov. Plekhanov first took the helm in May 2025, having previously worked with the organization during the 2021/22 season. Under his leadership, the team achieved strong results, finishing 5th and 4th in the Ukrainian SuperLeague.
During the 2025/26 season, the Sokoly performed well, securing 2nd place in the regular championship. However, they fell short in the playoff semifinals, losing 1-2 to Kyiv-Basket. The team then suffered another 1-2 defeat against Rivne in the bronze medal series. Ultimately, Dnipro claimed their fourth championship title by defeating Kyiv-Basket 2-1 in the finals.
“This is not the first time we have faced a challenge together in Ukraine’s top division. Every season we spent together has left a mark on the club’s history, one that the basketball community of our city will never forget. Under your leadership, 'Kharkiv Sokoly' achieved 5th and 4th place finishes in the SuperLeague—unprecedented for our club and for Kharkiv basketball as a whole. You are a coach whose experience, character, and passion for the game serve as an example to many. And even though our paths diverge today, we know that your achievements at the helm of 'Kharkiv Sokoly' will forever remain part of the club’s history. Thank you for everything, and we wish you continued success in your coaching career.”
Club press release
Coaching Staff Changes
Separately, Inna Kochubei has been appointed as the head coach of the Ukrainian women’s national basketball team, replacing Yevgen Murzin.
The coaching change at Kharkiv Sokoly could significantly reshape the team’s future strategy, especially given the progress made in recent seasons. The club, which showed steady growth under Plekhanov, now faces the challenge of finding a new head coach who can sustain that momentum. This also marks a period of transition in Ukrainian basketball, with Kochubei’s appointment to the women’s national team reflecting broader shifts in coaching approaches across the country’s national programs.
The recent coaching change at Kharkiv Sokoly mirrors significant developments in the broader basketball landscape, including the appointment of Inna Kochubei as the new head coach of Ukraine's women's national basketball team. This transition not only highlights the evolving strategies within Ukrainian basketball but also sets the stage for potential shifts in team dynamics and performance. For more insights into this pivotal moment for women's basketball in Ukraine, read about the new leadership of the women's national team.