By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Recovering from Achilles tendon surgery, Partizan Mozzart Bet captain is set to bounce back in team practices.
Following medical examinations in Finland, the 29-year-old wing was cleared to rejoin squad training at full pace.
The Black-Whites leader suffered the tear during a game against Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv at BMW Park last January, sidelining him indefinitely. Management plans to closely monitor his integration to ensure he returns to action fully fit.
Izveštaj o zdravstvenom stanju Vanje Marinkovića:
Kapiten crno-belih Vanja Marinković je dobio zeleno svetlo da se priključi timskim treninzima! Nakon detaljnih pregleda u Finskoj, Marinković je od dr Lase Lempianena dobio dozvolu da se priključi timskim treninzima u punom ritmu.
Kompletan proces će biti pomno praćen i kontrolisan sa ciljem da se kapiten na teren vrati u potpunosti spreman.
— KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) October 20, 2026
In July, the EuroLeague outfit secured Marinkovic’s future through a two-year contract extension. This move showed commitment despite a challenging road to recovery.
The 1.99-meter guard-forward’s value transcends statistics, rooted in historical ties to the club. He originally reunited with his parent club in 2024, later winning both the AdmiralBet ABA League and the Basketball League of Serbia championships in 2025.
His journey includes stints with Valencia and Bitci/Cazoo Baskonia, alongside 179 total appearances in the EuroLeague. Before getting hurt, the number 9 jersey holder suited up for 19 games last season, averaging 5.9 points and 1.6 rebounds.
In the NBA, he was drafted with the 60th overall pick in 2019 by the Sacramento Kings. While his draft rights shifted to the Memphis Grizzlies, Brooklyn Nets, and recently the Los Angeles Clippers, his focus remained on his European career.
Beyond his club success, he is a core piece of Serbia’s national team. He helped secure a silver medal at the FIBA World Cup 2023 and a bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
With Derek Willis sidelined by an ankle injury, Partizan holds a 3–3 record in the 2026–27 EuroLeague Regular Season ahead of Thursday’s derby against archrival Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet at the Belgrade Arena. Meanwhile, Joan Penarroya’s squad remains undefeated at 3–0 in the ABA League.
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