Cedevita Olimpija Starts Preseason with New Faces, Captain Blažič Takes Mentoring Role

The basketball club Cedevita Olimpija has commenced its preparations for the upcoming season, gathering in Stožice with a roster that has undergone substantial changes from the previous year. Despite the player turnover, the coaching staff, including head coach Zvezdan Mitrović, remains intact.

Several players are currently unavailable as they are participating in qualifications for the 2027 World Cup. This includes Rok Radović and Miha Cerkvenik for Slovenia, and David Škara for Croatia. Head coach Mitrović is also absent, serving as the head coach for the Montenegrin national team.

Cedevita Olimpija is scheduled to play six friendly matches during the preseason. While domestic games will be closed to the public, two matches will be held in Italy. The regional ABA League is set to begin on the last weekend of September, followed by the European Cup opener on September 30 in Burgos.

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Many players from last season have moved to bigger clubs, which is certainly a confirmation of Cedevita Olimpija's good work in the last two seasons. It's good that Zvezdan Mitrović extended his contract for another two years, which is why I also found it easier to decide to continue my career.

Captain Jaka Blažič will assume a mentoring role within the team, aiming to foster a healthy team atmosphere. "Many players from last season have moved to bigger clubs, which is certainly a confirmation of Cedevita Olimpija's good work in the last two seasons," Blažič stated. "It's good that Zvezdan Mitrović extended his contract for another two years, which is why I also found it easier to decide to continue my career."

Sports Director Chechu Mulero indicated that the team is still seeking reinforcements. They are looking for a tall, athletic center and a versatile guard who can play multiple positions. "The market situation is challenging," Mulero commented. "A lot of young players, including Slovenians, have gone to the USA. Fortunately, Cedevita Olimpija has a good reputation, and players like to come to Ljubljana because we are an organized club and an excellent springboard for bigger leagues."

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The market situation is challenging. A lot of young players, including Slovenians, have gone to the USA. Fortunately, Cedevita Olimpija has a good reputation, and players like to come to Ljubljana because we are an organized club and an excellent springboard for bigger leagues.