By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Split recently named former player Damir Rancic as their new head coach ahead of the upcoming 2026–27 campaign.
A former player of the storied Croatian club, the 43-year-old native of Split boasts a highly decorated professional career as a sharpshooting guard. He possesses the unique distinction of winning three Croatian League titles with three different clubs, with Cibona and Zagreb, besides Split, as an integral part of the lineup that secured their last domestic league title during the 2002–03 term. Beyond the club level, he represented his country at the junior and senior levels, including earning six caps in EuroBasket 2005.
Rancic transitioned to coaching after his playing days, spending six years at the helm of Ribola Kastela before returning to the Yellows last autumn as an assistant coach for the first team.
“I am thrilled with my appointment,” he said upon welcoming his promotion to the position of head coach. “I thank the front office for their confidence.”
“I’m aware of all that lies ahead, but I’m not afraid of the challenge. I’m eager to get going,” he added, previewing the upcoming 2026–27 campaign, which features the FIBA Europe Cup, besides domestic competitions. “It will be a demanding season. I believe we will assemble a strong team that will captivate the fans.”
With this hiring, Split is looking to launch a new beginning for the club, starting a roster rebuild practically from scratch while integrating a promising wave of talented young players.
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