2025/26 AdmiralBet ABA League Teams: Cedevita Olimpija Ready for a Fresh Start

Cedevita Olimpija did not have the kind of 2024/25 season that their fans had hoped for. The Ljubljana side finished the regular season only at the 6th position in the AdmiralBet ABA League standings and then immediately got eliminated in the quarter-finals as they lost their Playoff series against Dubai Basketball. It was a bitter ending, but within the club there is still plenty of optimism that the situation can change for the better in the upcoming 2025/26 campaign.

Trust in Coach Mitrović

The Dragons decided to keep faith in head coach Zvezdan Mitrović, who will remain on the bench to provide continuity and stability in what will be his second year leading the team. However, the roster has gone through major changes over the summer. Only a handful of players from the previous season have stayed on board, while most of the squad has been completely rebuilt with new arrivals who are expected to bring more energy and balance to the team.

New Faces at Point Guard

At the point guard position, Cedevita Olimpija will have almost a brand-new rotation. The only one who remained from the last season is Aleksej Nikolić, while the club added three fresh names – Umoja Gibson, Joseph Girard III, and talented youngster Derin Can Ustun. Together they should provide more creativity, scoring punch, and depth than the Dragons had a year ago.

Domestic Core at Shooting Guard

The shooting guard spot will be anchored by a strong domestic core. Team captain Jaka Blažič once again stands as the leader and emotional engine of the team, while Rok Radović also continues with the Dragons and will look to expand his role. In addition, Miha Cerkvenik has joined from local rivals Krka, giving the team another promising Slovenian option in the backcourt.

Fresh Options on the Wing

When it comes to the small forward position, Cedevita Olimpija will rely on Dewayne Stewart Jr. and newcomer David Škara, who arrived from Split. Both players bring athleticism, defensive toughness, and scoring potential, and their performances might be one of the keys for the Dragons this season.

Stronger Frontcourt Rotation

In the frontcourt, the team seems to have made the biggest changes compared to the last season. The Dragons will now feature Luka Brajković, Cameron Toussaint Selidji Houindo, Nikolaos Chougkaz, and Thomas Joseph Patrick Kennedy, while Žiga Daneu remained as one of the few players from the 2024/25 roster.

Young Players Waiting for Chance

Finally, there are also several young players in the squad who will be waiting for their chance to prove themselves throughout the season.

Dragons Aiming Higher in 2025/26

While it is difficult to predict the limits of this team at the moment, the Dragons are clearly aiming to achieve better results than last year. With a mix of experienced leaders, fresh additions, and a more balanced roster, Cedevita Olimpija are eager to show that they can once again compete with the best in the AdmiralBet ABA League.