By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
BKT EuroCup outfit Cedevita Olimpija has officially extended head coach Zvezdan Mitrovic’s contract through the end of the 2027/28 season.
The Slovenian club announced the deal on Thursday.
Per the press release: “Cedevita Olimpija is pleased to announce that the club and head coach Zvezdan Mitrović have agreed to a contract extension, which will solidify their cooperation through the end of the 2027/28 season.
Cedevita Olimpija and head coach of the senior team Zvezdan Mitrović have agreed to extend their contract. The Montenegrin expert, who joined the Ljubljana club ahead of the 2024/25 competitive season, will remain in the Slovenian capital at least until the conclusion of the 2027/28 season. During their time working together, Coach Mitrović, with his knowledge, energy, and leadership, together with the rest of the senior team’s coaching staff, has made a significant contribution to the team’s development, while also establishing a culture of competitiveness, discipline, and unity felt by the players, the fans, and the wider sports public.
Under Mitrović’s leadership, Cedevita Olimpija captured the Slovenian treble in the 2024/25 season and advanced to the quarterfinals of the EuroCup and the ABA League. In the 2025/26 season, the senior team won the Slovenian Super Cup and Cup titles, secured a playoff berth in the EuroCup for the second consecutive season, and reached the top eight in the ABA League after the first part of the regular season. The Cedevita Olimpija senior team was also selected as the Best Men’s Team of Ljubljana for 2025 by the Sports Association of Ljubljana and the City Municipality of Ljubljana.
“We are pleased to continue along the path we have set together. With his approach, Coach Mitrović has demonstrated that he understands the club’s values and the expectations of our environment, while always striving to achieve higher goals, reflecting both his and our ambition. We believe that many unforgettable moments still lie ahead,” said Cedevita Olimpija Director Davor Užbinec upon the signing of the contract extension.
“The extension of the head coach’s contract is the result of a shared vision and trust in the process we are building. Zvezdan Mitrović is a coach with a clear idea, high standards, and the ability to get the maximum out of his team. We believe that continuity on the bench provides the stability necessary for the team’s development and the achievement of competitive goals,” said Cedevita Olimpija Sporting Director Chechu Mulero following the extension agreement with the Montenegrin strategist.”
In a separate post on the official team portal, the Ljubljana-based club shared the reaction of 56-year-old Mitrovic.
Per the press release: “Cedevita Olimpija and head coach Zvezdan Mitrović have agreed to extend their cooperation. With the decisive stages of the 2025/26 season approaching, we took the opportunity to invite Mitrović in front of the cameras of Cedevita Olimpija TV.
“Actually, the decision was very natural. As a coach, I have very good working conditions here. It’s a healthy and encouraging environment – from the club management and the president all the way to the bus driver. Great chemistry has developed among us. We have achieved a nice result, and at the same time I feel good in Ljubljana and Slovenia in my private life as well. I feel a sense of belonging and I see room for progress and development, which we are systematically working on,” said Zvezdan Mitrović at the beginning, adding: “I am proud that we managed to build a real team. I’m not talking only about the twelve players on the court, but about the entire team and the coaching staff. There is no division between top and bottom with us – we are all one. We have established a system of play, but perhaps the most important thing for me as a coach is the development of players. Regardless of their age – whether it’s a young prospect, a player in the final stage of his career, or someone in his prime – everyone is progressing. That is visible in the results, in their performances, and ultimately in their further career paths.”
In the past, Mitrović had visited Ljubljana as the head coach of other teams or during national team activities.
“I didn’t really know Ljubljana before. I came here to play games, but I didn’t know the city itself. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. As for the club, I had a very positive impression. For me, cooperation is key – not only individual work, but true synergy between all of us. It is precisely this synergy that brings results. When we talk about results, of course we always dream of trophies and high finishes. In recent years, the team has created a recognizable identity – a recognizable style of play and good energy. At the same time, we must not forget the constant growth and development of all players.”
Mitrović also emphasized the importance of continuity.
“Continuity is extremely important when building a team and a system of play. It is important that a coach can develop his ideas in the long term, and it is also very important that the core of the team stays together. We are aware that we could not always keep all players – some moved to a higher level, including the NBA or financially stronger clubs. It is difficult to keep a team at the top, but with good scouting and the players who remain, we can continue to upgrade and develop the system.”
Mitrović also highlighted a word that best describes his coaching philosophy.
“It is difficult to describe it in one sentence, but I think the key word is adaptability.”
Speaking about the future, Mitrović remained somewhat cautious but pointed out the key priorities.
“I hope we continue at a rhythm where players give their maximum and play in a system that encourages development and the integration of new players. That is the identity I want to see on the court. Like every coach, I primarily want high-quality and hard work in practice. We want to be better and more consistent, and to have as few injuries and illnesses as possible. This season we faced many difficulties, not only injuries but also viruses and other health issues.”
At the end, Mitrović also addressed a special message to the fans of Cedevita Olimpija.
“I would like to invite them to come in even greater numbers. They shouldn’t come only for the derbies, but to support a team that plays quality and fighting basketball. The players give their maximum and fight sincerely. I am grateful to everyone who supports us, and I believe our basketball has become recognizable and attractive – something that everyone who understands the game points out. The doors are open – you are welcome in the arena. I am not a man of big promises. But I can promise hard work, a professional approach and organization at the highest possible level. I promise that we will give everything and achieve the best possible result within our capabilities. I cannot promise EuroLeague participation, but I can promise maximum dedication and professionalism.”