By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The light at the end of a long, arduous tunnel has finally appeared for Mario Nakic and Partizan Mozzart Bet. After ten grueling months relegated to the sidelines, the 24-year-old forward is officially poised to make his long-awaited return to the hardwood.
Nakic has been out of action since last June, when a devastating knee ligament tear suffered during the AdmiralBet Basketball League of Serbia Playoffs brought his 2024-25 campaign to an abrupt and painful halt. For the Belgrade native, who arrived at the club with high expectations in 2024, the injury represented a significant hurdle in his professional trajectory.
The tide finally turned this week as head coach Joan Penarroya provided the breakthrough update ahead of Friday’s clash against Valencia at the Belgrade Arena. The Partizan play-caller confirmed that the Real Madrid youth academy product has been cleared for full-contact training. “Mario is starting to train normally with the team today,” the 56-year-old coach noted, signaling that the medical staff has greenlit the final phase of his rehabilitation.
While a specific date for his return to the competitive box score remains undetermined, his re-emergence provides a timely morale boost for a roster navigating a difficult stretch. With a 13-20 record and only five games remaining in the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season, Partizan’s continental playoff hopes have effectively vanished. Consequently, Nakić’s return serves as a critical opportunity to integrate him into the rotation for upcoming regional and domestic trophy hunts.
The road ahead remains steep, however, as the roster continues to struggle with health. The team is already without captain Vanja Marinkovic, who was ruled out for the season in January following an Achilles injury. Furthermore, Duane Washington Jr. remains sidelined with a persistent calf issue, and Tonye Jekiri is considered a game-time decision for the Valencia matchup.
Meanwhile, the Taronges officially ruled out Jean Montero (hand) and Xabi Lopez-Arostegui (hamstring) for the meeting with Partizan.