Zeljko Obradovic aims to bring Partizan back to EuroLeague / News - Basketnews.com

3-pointers this season

35%7,9Points made:7,9Accuracy:34,5%Place in standings:21Record max:16Record min:5Most made 3FGs:Marcus PaigeTeamEuroCupStatisticsSchedule

Some exciting things are happening in Belgrade. Not only is the city getting ready for the tip-off of the upcoming Olympic Qualifiers Tournament, but also Partizan Belgrade has held a press conference to welcome back its legendary coach, Zeljko Obradovic.

The 61-year-old Obradovic will return to Partizan after nearly three decades that he spent reaching the highest highs in European basketball.

“I came back because of something that comes from within, and those are the greatest possible emotions, my love for Partizan ruled. I am proud and happy to be here again. I have been in contact with Zoran Savić (Partizan’s Sports Director) for three months, we talked a lot, and I tried to help Partizan in previous years as well”, stated 61-year-old Obradovic, as adapted by zurnal.rs.

“I am glad that President Mijailović settled the situation in the club, especially financially, which was very difficult. Now we all have to try to bring Partizan back to where it belongs. No club in Europe has produced so many important and great players and coaches. In Europe, the only club that is equivalent to Partizan is Real Madrid. This decision was easy for me. The first time I talked to President Mijailović, I knew immediately that I was coming back, and I told him that after two or three hours of conversation.”

Partizan will play in the EuroCup next season. However, Obradovic has expressed his goal to return Partizan to its former glory and compete in EuroLeague.

“Ambitions – the greatest possible! I know what is expected of me. We must try to bring Partizan back to the EuroLeague. And when we get there, [the goal is] not to be a member of the elite for a year, but to be there for a long time! I promise to work, and at the end of the season, I want us all to sit down and say that we worked hard and did everything in our power to reach this goal”.

Obradovic played for Partizan from 1984 to 1991. Immediately afterward, he retired and started his coaching career. Zeljko coached Partizan from 1991 to 1993. He spent last year away from basketball.

Partizan qualified to the Top 16 in last season's EuroCup, where they went on to win two of six games and dropped out of playoff contention. In the Serbian league, the squad lost 1-2 to KK Mega Soccerbet. Meanwhile, in the Adriatic league, Partizan finished seventh in the regular season.

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