Zadar and SC Derby close Round 2 with Monday night clash at Višnjik

2026/27 AdmiralBet ABA League Regular Season, Group B, Round 2, Monday, October 5, 2026:

ZADAR – SC DERBY

Where? Krešimir Ćosić Arena, Zadar

When? 20:30

Story of the Game: The curtain will fall on Round 2 of the 2026/27 AdmiralBet ABA League season in Zadar, where Zadar and SC Derby will begin their new regional campaigns with an intriguing Monday night clash at Višnjik.

For the home side, this game also marks the beginning of a new era. After four seasons under Danijel Jusup, Zadar handed the reins to Stipe Modrić, who arrived following three years with Perspektiva Ilirija. Despite the coaching change and several summer moves, the backbone of the team remains familiar. Captain Marko Ramljak and proven scorer Vladimir Mihailović are still there, alongside Krševan Klarica, Niko Šare, Lovro Buljević, Luka Bičić and Andro Mirčeta. Dario Drežnjak and Ivan Vraneš have returned to Zadar, while Ivan Vučić, Mark Ogden Jr and Ross Williams are among the other newcomers.

There were plenty of encouraging signs during the preparation period, as Zadar won five of their six preseason games. With a new coach but several familiar leaders still carrying important roles, the hosts will now be looking to transfer that positive momentum into their first official AdmiralBet ABA League appearance of the season.

SC Derby also arrive with a significantly refreshed roster, although there is continuity on the bench with Petar Mijović remaining in charge. Nikola Pavlićević, Filip Anđušić, Nikola Šaranović and Jyare Davis stayed from last season, while the Students added fresh pieces around them as they once again look to combine experience with young talent.

The Podgorica squad finished its preseason on a high as well, beating Mornar-Barsko zlato 106:73, with summer signing Antonio Jordano scoring a team-high 15 points.

Recent history suggests that home-court advantage could play a major role on Monday night. Zadar have won four of their five previous home games against SC Derby, including a 69:62 victory at Višnjik last season. However, SC Derby won the teams' most recent meeting, 73:59 in Podgorica, and hold a 6-4 advantage in the overall regional-league head-to-head.

Match-up in Focus: Vladimir Mihailović vs. Antonio Jordano.

Two experienced perimeter scorers could have a major influence on the outcome of this one.

Vladimir Mihailović remains one of the central figures of the Zadar offense and one of the proven scorers in the AdmiralBet ABA League. Despite the changes around him this summer, his presence gives the hosts an established offensive leader as they begin a new chapter under Stipe Modrić.

On the opposite side, Antonio Jordano is preparing for his first AdmiralBet ABA League appearance in an SC Derby jersey after joining the Students during the summer. His preseason performances have already shown what he can bring, including 18 points against Bosna BH Telecom and 15 against Mornar-Barsko zlato.

Head-to-head in the regional league: In total 4:6; In Zadar 4:1.