Partizan president reveals goal for next season, talks about negotiations with Punter / News - Basketnews.com

Ostoja Mijailovic revealed that Kevin Punter received a slightly bigger offer from Barcelona.

Credit: Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic Credit Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic

Thursday was an eventful day for Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and their passionate fans.

Kevin Punter

MIN:27.89PTS:16.08 (58.62%)REB:2.08As:2.51ST:1.03BL:0.11TO:1.27GM:37ProfileEuroLeague2022/2023

The real bombshell came with the news of captain Kevin Punter signing a two-year contract extension with the team, accompanied by the EuroLeague's decision to confirm Partizan's participation in next year's competition.

In an interview with Branimir Smilic of Sport Klub, Partizan president Ostoja Mijailovic emphasized that Punter's stay is a clear indication of Partizan's high ambitions for the upcoming EuroLeague season.

"I'll be completely open with you -- our goal for the next season is to reach the EuroLeague Final Four. We will build a team capable of achieving that," Mijailovic pointed out. "We closely monitor the actions of other EuroLeague teams. Panathinaikos have displayed great ambition, Monaco is bolstering their squad, and Real and Barcelona are always the main favorites.

"It's going to be a fierce battle, with numerous ambitious teams fighting for a spot in the Final Four due to the competition's modified format. The stakes are higher, and our packed arena generates substantial income, considering the ticket prices. This new competition format aligns well with Partizan's goals and suits us," Mijailovic added.

The top executive also underlined Partizan's desire to maintain the core of last season's roster.

"We've been working tirelessly on this [Kevin Punter] deal for days," he said. "We knew that Punter, the MVP of the ABA League and one of Europe's best players in his position, would attract significant interest. I want to express my gratitude to him for accepting Partizan's slightly lower offer compared to what he had from Barcelona.

"We did our best. We negotiated to retain our captain as a key figure in our team. It's not just about Kevin Punter the player; it's about keeping someone like him, a great human being. It's crucial for us to keep the core of the team that achieved miracles, ending a ten-year title drought in the ABA League and an eight-year absence from the EuroLeague," Mijailovic stated.

Last but not least, Partizan president cheered for Serbia and their two-team participation in the 2023-24 EuroLeague.

"It's a big deal that Crvena Zvezda will receive a wild card to play in the EuroLeague next season. It's a big thing for Serbia, our basketball, and the Adriatic League, which has two representatives in this elite competition. I'm really happy for Partizan and proud that our country will have two teams in the EuroLeague again," he said.

Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.