Crvena zvezda Telekom story – Defending the throne

For many years they have tried to return to the top. To once again claim the title of the best club in the region. And they did it last year! So, now, when they are finally sitting at the throne, the red and white army will do everything to defend it. This is the story about Crvena zvezda Telekom.

Regional champions, Serbian champions, Serbian cup winners. The previous season was far the best in the history of Crvena zvezda Telekom. The three titles, placed next to each other in the cupboard of the red and whites.

However, despite winning all of those trophies, Crvena zvezda Telekom simply could not win the transfer market battle against much richer clubs. So, they stayed without half of the roster. Boban Marjanović went to NBA to join San Antonio Spurs, Nikola Kalinić was sold to Fenerbahce, Charles Jenkins signed with Emporio Armani Milano, Jaka Blažič moved to Kutxa Laboral, Marcus Williams got suspended for using marijuana...

Crvena zvezda Telekom had to start all over again. The first move was to extend the contract of head coach Dejan Radonjić, while the club has also managed to keep some very important players from the previous season like Maik Zirbes, Luka Mitrović, Nemanja Dangubić, Branko Lazić, Stefan Jović... Then, it was time for transfers.

Part 1.

The red and whites signed contracts with Ryan Thomson (Brose Baskets), Sofoklis Schortsanitis (Maccabi Electra), Gal Mekel (Nizhny Novgorod), Stefan Nastić (Stanford University), Marko Simonović (PAU Orthez), while they promoted young Marko Gudurić to the first team. However, only a few of them fulfilled club's expectations...

Part 2.

Crvena zvezda Telekom had a good start of the season, but after unexpected home defeats against Igokea and Union Olimpija and after some heavy road defeats in the Euroleague, the management had to react quickly and to change some things. On top of all troubles, captain Luka Mitrović suffered a serious knee injury and was out until the rest of the regular season!

Therefore, the first new player in the roster was Quincy Miller, an American power forward whose signing turned out to be a fantastic move by the club's management. Then, the red and whites parted ways with Sofoklis Schortsanitis and signed Vladimir štimac (Estudiantes) instead. Another great call! The last pieces of the puzzle were Tarence Kinsey (Trabzonspor) who replaced Ryan Thompson, and Vasilije Micić (Bayern) who came to replace Gal Mekel.

Yes, there were plenty of changes, but Crvena zvezda Telekom have finally got a TEAM.

The results prove that. The Belgrade crew qualified for the TOP 16 stage of the Euroleague, beating some of the European best clubs along the way, while they managed to finish at the 2nd place in the regular season of the ABA League. The Pionir Hall was once again an unconquerable fortress!

In the ABA League Semi-Finals, Crvena zvezda Telekom faced Cedevita. In the first match in Belgrade, the red and whites triumphed after an epic battle - 97:88, while then they made a break in the rematch Zagreb - 73:65...

Crvena zvezda Telekom have advanced to the ABA League Finals where they will try to defend the throne that belongs to the regional champion.