2025/26 AdmiralBet ABA League Teams: Crvena zvezda Meridianbet - Building a New Era

Crvena zvezda Meridianbet enters the 2025/26 AdmiralBet ABA League season with unfinished business. The reigning champions from 2023/24 were dethroned last year after a disappointing campaign that ended in the semi-finals. Their journey came to a heartbreaking close when Budućnost VOLI stunned them with a buzzer-beating three-pointer in Game 3. Failing to even reach the finals raised alarm bells inside the club and forced management to take decisive action over the summer.

Trust in Sfairopoulos

Despite the tough exit, the board maintained confidence in head coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos. The Greek strategist has already won four trophies since arriving in Belgrade, including the 2023/24 AdmiralBet ABA League crown, and his proven leadership was deemed essential for rebuilding the team. With continuity on the bench, Zvezda aims to combine a new roster with an experienced voice guiding from the sidelines.=

The Core That Remained

Only a handful of players stayed on from last season, forming the backbone of the new squad. Codi Miller-McIntyre, Isaiah Canaan, and the domestic trio of Nikola Kalinić, Ognjen Dobrić, and Dejan Davidovac remain in red-and-white. Dobrić has also been handed the captain’s armband, signaling his importance both on and off the court. Alongside them, Uroš Plavšić rejoined the team after returning from a year-long loan, ready to bring size and grit in the paint.

NBA Pedigree in the Backcourt

The guard rotation received a huge boost with the signing of Devonte’ Graham, a player with a rich NBA résumé. He is expected to be one of Zvezda’s leaders, sharing responsibilities with Miller-McIntyre and Stefan Miljenović, a promising newcomer from Mega Superbet. At the shooting guard spot, Isaiah Canaan is joined by Tyson Carter, who arrives from Unicaja Málaga, and Ognjen Radošić, a young talent from Igokea m:tel. With team captain Ognjen Dobrić also able to fill in at SG, Zvezda’s backcourt depth looks very strong.

Firepower on the Wings

The forward positions blend stability and fresh power. Nikola Kalinić and Dejan Davidovac remain pillars of consistency, but Zvezda went out into the European market to secure three major signings: Jordan Nwora (Anadolu Efes), Semi Ojeleye (Valencia), and Chima Moneke (Baskonia). Each of them brings a unique profile – from Nwora’s shooting to Ojeleye’s strength and Moneke’s energy – creating a versatile forward line that can adapt to any matchup.

Strength in the Paint

The center position has been completely revamped. With Uroš Plavšić back in the squad, Zvezda added two more powerful pieces under the rim. Ebuka Izundu, who previously showcased his potential at FMP SoccerBet and comes now from Galatasaray, and Jasiel Rivero, a proven performer from Maccabi Tel Aviv, round out a physically imposing frontcourt. This trio will be tasked with bringing toughness, rebounding, and rim protection throughout the season.

Eyes Back on the Crown

By reshaping nearly the entire roster, Crvena zvezda Meridianbet showed its ambition loud and clear – last season’s outcome is not something that should repeat. With a mix of returning leaders, high-profile newcomers, and the steady hand of coach Sfairopoulos, the red-and-whites are determined to reclaim the AdmiralBet ABA League throne and once again sit at the very top of regional basketball.